LONDON HOTEL FIRE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1203, 11 August 1911, Page 5

LONDON HOTEL FIRE.

GREAT CONFLAGRATION. PANIC AMONG WEALTHY GUESTS. By TtlcsraDh—Press AssociatioD-CoDjriEbt London, August 9. A sensational fire broke out in tho upper stories of Urn Carlton Hotel. Tho servants escaped by mcaus of ladders. The entire firo brigade was called out lo prevent (lie flames spreading to His Majesty's Theatre. (Hoc. August 10, 0.25 p.m.) London, August 10. The Carltou Hotel firo originated in the shaft of tho kitchen lift, and quickly involved tho thrco upper doors and tho roof. As it was dinner time tho hotel was crowded with wealthy American and foreign visitors. Many of tho guests were dressing for dinner, and 6omo were having baths. They escaped in various states of attire. A number of servants and guests were cut off from escape, and came to the upper windows, where they raised cries for assistance and wero Tescucd by 'ladders, while others were lowered by ropos to an adjoining roof. Within half nn hour the flames had a great hold in tho upper part of the hugo building. A force of 250 firemen, 25 steamers, and a. dozen ladders were soon on the scene. While tlia firemen wero exploring the building and attending to the ho.-es, the public assisted in removing furniture and Ing-gage, quantities of costly things being piled on the pavement. One charred body was found on the upper floor, and identified as that of Mr. Finnin, an American actor. Some of the firemen wero overcome, and had to bo taken to the hospital. A huge crowd was attracted by tho fire, the spectators including Mr. Winston Churchill, Home Secretary. Some- of the spectators booliooed Mr. Churchill, and cried, "What are you doing here?" Tho damage is estimated at ,£30,000. His Majesty's Theatre-, adjoining tho hotel, was damaged by water.