CINEMA BLAZE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 141, 16 June 1936, Page 7

CINEMA BLAZE.

INDIAN FIRE HORROR. Women and Children Burned To Death. PANIC-STRICKEN CROWDS. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received- 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, June 15. "The Times" Bombay correspondent says that at least 20 people, mostly women and children, were incinerated and many injured in a fire at the Motimahal cinema, Hyderabad. It originated in the cabin and spread with lightning rapidity to the wooden balcony reserved for Zenana women, who rushed to the exits, where they were cut off by flames enveloping a staircase. Some leapt to the auditorium, where many were crushed in the panicstricken surge to the doors. A balcony collapsed, burying the occupants in debris.

The theatre speedily became a roaring furnace and was completely burnt out. Fourteen bodies have been recovered and were recognisable only by jewellery. Rescue work was hampered by enormous crowds, who were almost driven mad by the screams of dying relatives. The.Nizam of Hyderabad later visited the ruins and criticised the inadequacy of protection against fire. He ordered the Police Commissioner henceforth not to permit buildings to be used for the cinema unless escape of the audiences was ensured.