Possible errors in the storage of fireworks at Belgium’s world-famous Tomorrowland festival are currently being investigated by the authorities in Antwerp, following the huge fire which gutted its main stage last month.
According to a leaked email seen by Dutch-speaking public media, VRT, the Antwerp Public Prosecutor's Office is currently investigating possible errors in the storage of fireworks at Tomorrowland.
The email was sent from the Belgian Ministry of Economy to the public prosecutor office, which later confirmed that an investigation is underway.
This is separate from the ongoing judicial inquiry into the cause of the fire that completely destroyed the main stage at Tomorrowland shortly before the festival was due to start. With the fire occurring just one day before the festival opened its doors, there had been fears that the festival would be cancelled.
While the festival was allowed to go ahead with a new, smaller main stage built in front of the wreck, the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
According to VRT News, the email from the Ministry of Economy refers to three "breaches" related to the storage of fireworks, which are now under investigation
Pyrotechnic devices were allegedly placed on-site too early; people who were not supposed to be there had access to the fireworks; and no written notification – as required by regulations – was made to the FPS Security Control Service regarding the time of delivery and installation of the fireworks.
After the fire that destroyed the main stage on 16 July, officials from the Ministry of Economy had visited the site to identify possible irregularities. VRT reports that there is no indication at this stage that the breaches could be attributed as having caused the fire.
Tomorrowland has not yet wished to comment on the substance of the case. "Given that we have not been officially informed about this and that an investigation is currently being conducted by the Ministry of Economy, we feel it is appropriate not to make any public statement," said the organisers' spokesperson.
The organisers had previously stated that Tomorrowland only works with approved suppliers specialising in pyrotechnics and that they always strictly follow the regulations and safety guidelines in force.
Debris of the main stage pictured after yesterday's fire at the Tomorrowland electronic music festival on Thursday 17 July 2025, in Boom. Credit: Belga / Tom Goyvaerts
Last month, an analysis of the main stage's debris uncovered the presence of an endocrine disruptor, Bisphenol A. This provoked concerns for the safety of festival-goers who had attended the event despite the hazard posed by chemicals residing in the debris.
While bisphenol A is not carcinogenic, as some reports had suggested, it can cause skin problems and lung irritation, and is also toxic to the liver.
Tytgat had advised people who find debris or ash particles to store them in an airtight bag, wearing gloves and a face mask. The remains should then be disposed of with bulky waste or in a container park.
The presence of festival-goers in the vicinity of the debris from the main stage is "not ideal", according to the toxicologist. "In the case of a fire of this magnitude, people must be kept away, everything must be cleaned up properly and covered to ensure that everything is in order," he told VRT in July.
"After the fire, measures were immediately taken by independent experts and the relevant agencies. The area around the main stage has been thoroughly cleaned and is fully protected," responded the organisers of Tomorrowland.
