The Pilanesberg International Airport, near Sun City, was on Tuesday gutted by a fire that was thought to have begun near the Air Traffic Control Tower.
At around 12:00 security officers at the airport reported smoke but could not detect what was burning.
Upon investigating the incident further they realised the smoke was coming from the top of the building close to the Air Traffic Control Tower.
Some of the Airport personnel rushed to the tower and tried to extinguish the fire.
However, the flames engulfed the area and in seconds the thatched roof of the airport caved in.
The personnel tried in vain to put it out but the structure was completely gutted.
The Sun City Fire Services and the Rustenburg Fire Services arrived shortly thereafter and did everything they could.
North West MEC for the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management Sello Lehari accompanied by the acting Head of Department Mpho Maleme rushed to the terminal and ordered an immediate investigation.
“We would like to leave no stone unturned to ensure we get to the bottom of the cause of the fire,” said MEC Lehari.
