MISHAP IN THEATRE

Evening Star, Issue 18729, 3 September 1924, Page 5

MISHAP IN THEATRE

GIRL BADLY BURNED. [Special to the ‘ Star.’] WANGANUI, September 5. A most unfortunate accident happened at the .opening night’s performance of ‘The Gay Pari.sienne’ by the Wanganui Amateur Musical and Dramatic Society last evening, resulting in Miss L. Darby, who was taking part in the chorus, being badly burned' in one of the dressing rooms towards the end of the second act. The scene had just been completed when unusual screams were heard, but the public paid little attention, thinking it was the prelude to something in the nature of the burlesque that was to follow. However, when the curtain, dropped at the end of the performance it was whispered round that Miss Darby had been badly burned about the shoulders and face through coming into contact with a gas jet, which caught the flimsy attire she . was wearing, and she was quickly enveloped in flames. Willing hands soon stifled the fire, and Miss Darby was quickly removed to the hospital, suffering terribly from shock and burns. On inquiry at the hospital this morning it was learned that her condition is very serious.