SHOCKING DISASTER

Hokitika Guardian, 7 September 1926, Page 3

SHOCKING DISASTER

AT CINEMA THEATRT

OVER FORTY LIVES LOST

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.]

(Received this day at 11.0 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. G

A fire destroyed a barn used as a cinema theatre at Drum-Collogher, Limerick. There was only one exit and the audience were trapped. So far forty bodies have been recovered. Twenty men, ten women'and ton children arc still missing. Nine persons were seriously injured. The burn was used by a visiting cinema which was a novelty in the village. An old wooden room above the garage was improvised for the occasion and packed to its full capacity of 125 people. The lire originated in the film and spread with the utmost rapidity to the old timbers, instantly enveloping the hall. Scenes of tindeseri liable confusion ensued. The entire audience rushed for the only exit, a narrow ladder to the garage through a small passage. Here panic reigned, the people shrieking and fighting as they found themselves trapped. Woman and children fainted and were trampled down. Meanwhile the flames were roaring a yard or two away. Then portion of the floor collapsed carrying persons with it. Others farther from the passage endeavoured to escape through stmill windows but were unable to do so. before they were caught by the lieice flames. One or two jumped fifteen feet to the ground. The cries and shrieks of terrified mothers was heartrendng. Now and again blazing beams fell amidst the struggling throng. Those outside made frantic efforts to subdue the furnace but without avail. Denso smoke made it impossible to work at close quarters and within half an hour the entire barn was razed. A EIRE DISASTER. LONDON, Sept. G. Many bodies have been recovered from Drumcollogher lire, charred Beyond recognition. Identification is only possible by articles of clothing oi jewellery. There were pathetic scenes all night only, as frantic fathers and mothers sought amidst the d>ing em bers for the remains of children or other relatives. One whole family of six was wiped out. There is barely a household in the village that has not lost someone. FURTHER PARTICULARS. LONDON, Sept. 0. Daylight brought a. grim spectacle. Bodies were stretched on the group waiting identification. Forty-one have been identified, but little remains of the others beyond heaps of charred Bones. It is practically certain many were tramped to death before they were consumed by the flames. The nearest Five Brigade was at Croon, 36 miles away, whither the injured people had to be removed.