FIRE IN LONDON HOTEL

Otago Witness, Issue 2996, 16 August 1911, Page 27

FIRE IN LONDON HOTEL

LONDON, August 9. There was a sensational fire in the upper storeys of the Carlton Hotel. The servants had to escape by ladders, j and the entire brigade had to be called I out to prevent the fire spreading to His Majesty’s Theatre. August 10. The fire originated in the shaft of the kitchen lift, and quickly invaded the three upper floors and the roof. As it was dinner-time the hotel was crowded with ' wealthy American and foreign visitors, many of whom were dressing for dinner. Some who were having baths escaped in various stages of attire. A- number of servants and guests who were cut off from escape came to the upper windows and raised their cries. They were rescued by ladders. Others j were lowered by ropes to an adjoining

| roof. ! Within half an hour the flames had a great hold of tbs upper part of the huge building. Two hundred and fifty firemen, 25 steamers, and a dozen ladders were soon on the scene. While the firemen were exploring the building .and attending to the hoses, the public assisted in removing the furniture and luggage, quantities of costly things being piled on the pavement. One charred body, which was found on the upper floor, has been identified as that of Mr Finnin, an American actor. Some firemen were overcome, and had to be taken to the hospital. A huge crowd was attracted, including Mr Churchill. Some 6f the spectators boo-hooed him, and cried, “ What are you doing here?” It is estimated that the damage amounts to £30,000. His Majesty’s Theatre was damaged by water.