Multiplex catches fire in Surat, none hurt

An entire theatre in a multiplex in Surat was destroyed by flames caused by a short circuit, on Saturday morning. However, as no film was being screened in the theatre at the moment, no casualties have been reported in the incident.

The fire erupted inside the theatre of screen number 3 of Valentine multiplex, located on Surat-Dumas road. Workers were cleaning the theatre ahead of the day's screenings, when a spark occurred, and engulfed the entire cinema hall in no time. The multiplex authorities informed the civic fire department, but even before they could reach the spot, the fire destroyed the entire hall. 300 chairs, the screen in the hall, and furniture and fixtures including electrical fittings, were burnt in the fire.

While the two other theatres in the multiplex remained untouched, the fire in hall number 3 raged on for hours. Multiplex authorities said that employees tried dousing the fire with water, but it could not be controlled. Incidentally, an automatic fire extinguisher system was fitted in the theatre, but it did not work as its electrical fittings were destroyed by the short circuit and the ensuing fire.

Officials said that fortunately no film was being screened in the hall at the time of the fire, as a result of which, a major tragedy was averted.