MANY DEATHS IN CINEMA FIRE

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21811, 17 June 1936, Page 11

MANY DEATHS IN CINEMA FIRE

DISASTER AT HYDERABAD

LONDON, June 15

The Bombay correspondent of “The Times” says that at least 20, mostly women and chi’dren, w r ere incinerated, and many were injured in a fire at the Motimahal cinema at Hyderabad. The outbreak originated in the cabin, and it spread with lightning rapidity to a wooden balcony which was reserved for Zenana women, who rushed the exits, where they were cut off by the flames enveloping the staircase. Some leapt to the auditorium, where many were crushed in the panic to reach the doors. The balcony then collapsed, burying the occupants in the debris. The theatre, which speedily became a roaring furnace, was burnt out.

Fourteen bodies which were recovered were recognisable only b» the jewellery. The rescue work was hampered by the 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 the protection against fire. He ordered the Police Commissioner in future not to permit buildings to be used as cinema houses unless the audience’s escape was ensured.

The Madras correspondent of the “Daily Herald” says the wife of an official, by improvising a fire escape, saved many lives. She tore off her gaily-coloured sari, and tied it to the balcony railing, enabling 40 persons, including herself, to slide down to the auditorium, from where they escaped.