• A fire has severely damaged the Tomorrowland main stage just days before the festival.
• Festival organizers confirmed no injuries occurred during the incident.
• Preparations are underway to ensure the festival can still proceed without the main stage.
• Thousands of attendees are expected as alternative plans are being developed.

A significant fire erupted at Belgium's Tomorrowland festival site on July 16, causing severe damage to the main stage just two days before the event's scheduled start. Organizers reported thick plumes of smoke and flames engulfing the structure, while emergency services swiftly responded to the scene. No injuries were reported amongst the approximately 1,000 staff members present when the fire broke out, according to Newsweek and BBC.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, hearing loud bangs believed to be pyrotechnics before the fire began. Festival organizers confirmed the iconic Mainstage was "severely damaged" but announced that no injuries occurred during the blaze. They stated they were "focused on finding solutions for the festival weekend," according to ABC News and Al Jazeera.

Despite the destruction of the main stage, organizers reassured attendees that the festival will still take place, with the campsite, DreamVille, set to open as scheduled. Festival co-founder Debby Wilmsen expressed the challenges of moving forward without the main stage but emphasized that the event will continue, according to India Times and Bangkok Post.

Plans for the weekend include performances by numerous top artists, even with the absence of the main stage. Organizers noted that due to the incident, local authorities are examining safety protocols closely as they prepare alternative solutions, according to BBC and SFGate.