FIRE IN CINEMA

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 12890, 17 June 1936, Page 2

FIRE IN CINEMA

PANIC-STRICKEN SURGE FOR DOORS. PLACE BECOMES ROARING FURNACE. 'U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. C-^oyright). LONDON, Juno 15. Tho Bombay correspondent of The Times says that at least 20 persons --mostly women and children—were incinerated and many were injured in a fire at the Motimalial cinema in Hyderabad. Tho outbreak originated in the cabin of the theatre and spread with lightning rapidity to a wooden balcony reserved ns a zenana lor women, who rushed the exits, where they were cut off by the flames, which were enveloping the staircase. Some leapt to the auditorium, whero many were crushed in the pan-ic-stricken surge for the doors. The balcony collapsed, burying the occupants in the debris." The. theatre, speedily becoming a roaring furnace, was completely burnt out. Fourteen bodies were recovered, recognisable only by jewellery. The rescue work was hampered by the enormous crowds, many of whom were almost driven mad by tho screams of dying relatives. The Nizam later visited the ruins, and criticised tho inadequacy of the protection against fire. He ordered the Police Commissioner henceforth not to permit buildings to be used as cinema theatres unless adequate means of escape were provided for the occupants in cases of emergency.

HOW WOMAN SAVED MANY LIVES. # GI.P.A b.v Elec Ter. Coot right). (Received June 16, 8.5 p.w.f LONDON, June 16. The Herald’s Madras correspondent, says that an Hyderabad official’s wife, by improvising a fire escape, saved many lives. She tore off a gaily coloured sari tied to a balcony railing, enabling forty persons, including herself to slide clown to the auditorium, whence they escaped. Tnstal a MINIMAX EXTINGUISHER . It’s your best insurance against M. STREET, District Agent, Phone 1563.