The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management has reported that the Pilanesberg International Airport was Tuesday gutted by fire.

The fire seems to have begun near the air traffic control tower in the afternoon. The security guard reported the smoke but couldn't detect what was burning.

Departmental spokesperson Alpheus Koonyaditse said upon further investigations they realised the smoke was coming from the top of the building close to the air traffic control tower.

Airport personnel were rushed to the tower to try to extinguish the fire, but the flames had already engulfed the area and in seconds the roof of the airport caved in.

MEC Jonas Lehari and the head of the department, Mpho Maleme, visited the airport and ordered an immediate investigation into the matter.

Pilanesberg International Airport was Tuesday gutted by fire.

Koonyaditse said both Rustenburg and Sun City fire services arrived shortly after to help.

Lehari said the department will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the cause of the fire is known. No injuries were reported.

OFM News/ Joba Matsheng