A HOLOCAUST

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19913, 16 June 1936, Page 7

A HOLOCAUST

FIRE IN A CINEMA. WOMEN AND CHILDREN PERISH. PANIC-STRICKEN CROVVDS. United Press Assn—lilac. Tel. Copyright (Received June 16. il.-55 am.) LONDON, June la The Bombay correspondent. of the Times says that at. least 20 persons, mostly women and children, were incinerated and many InJured In a fire at. the Motlma—hal Cinema, Hyderabad. The outbreak originated in the cabin and spread with lightening rapidity to a wooden balcony reserved for Zenana women, who rushed the ex~ its. where they were cut oh by the flames which were enveloping the staircase. Some leapt, io the auditorium, where many were crushed in the panic surge to the doors. ‘The balcony collapsed, burying the occupants in the debris. The theatre, speedily becoming a roaring furnace, was completely burnt outl Many Bodies Recovered. Fourteen bodies have been recovered. and are recognisable only by jewellery. Rescue work was hampered by the enormous crowds. who were almost: driven mad :by the screams of their dying relatives. The Nimm later Visited the ruins, and criticised the‘ inadequacy of the protection against fire. He ordered the Police Commissioner henceforth not to permit. buildings to be used for cinema unless in times of danger the escape" or the audiences is assured.