A fire erupted in the middle of a movie screening at PVR Cinemas, located inside Select City Mall in Delhi, causing panic among moviegoers. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon during the 4:15 pm screening of the Marathi film Chhava. According to eyewitnesses, a corner of the movie screen caught fire, triggering a mass evacuation of the cinema hall.
Fire Breaks Out During Movie Screening
The fire was first noticed when a corner of the movie screen caught flames. Panic quickly spread throughout the cinema as fire alarms went off, signaling to the audience that an emergency was unfolding. Eyewitnesses recalled that as the alarms blared, moviegoers scrambled to the exit doors to ensure their safety. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries, thanks to the swift evacuation.
Timeline of Events
According to an official from the Delhi Fire Services, the first distress call came in at 5:42 pm. Fire tenders were dispatched promptly to the scene, and emergency responders worked quickly to control the situation. The fire was reportedly contained without causing significant damage to the mall or the cinema hall. However, the incident left many shaken, and the mall temporarily halted the screening to ensure safety.
Evacuation and Response
Witnesses mentioned that the staff at the cinema acted promptly, evacuating the audience as soon as the fire alarms sounded. Although there was initial panic, the cinema hall’s quick and orderly evacuation helped avoid any major accidents. Several fire tenders arrived at the scene, and the firefighters worked diligently to bring the situation under control.
“The fire broke out at the PVR Cinema hall, but the timely evacuation and intervention by fire services prevented any harm to the public,” said the Delhi Fire Services officer who was on-site.
Possible Causes of the Fire
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. Initial reports suggest that the fire started in one corner of the movie screen, possibly due to a technical malfunction or an electrical issue. Investigators are working to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Impact on Cinemagoers and PVR Cinemas
For the audience present at the time of the fire, the experience was terrifying. Many expressed relief as the cinema hall evacuated smoothly, with no injuries reported. Several moviegoers took to social media to share their experiences, praising the staff for their quick response to the emergency. However, many were left shaken by the unexpected turn of events during what was supposed to be a relaxing movie experience.
As for PVR Cinemas, the company has not released an official statement as of now, but they are expected to cooperate fully with authorities to understand the cause and ensure that such incidents do not occur again.
What Happens Next?
In the aftermath of the fire, Select City Mall has increased security measures, and fire drills are expected to be conducted more frequently across its premises. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to ensure that proper safety protocols are being followed in all public spaces, particularly in entertainment venues like cinema halls.
The fire’s impact also raises questions about the safety measures in place at other theaters and malls. Many moviegoers are likely to remain cautious in the coming days as fire safety regulations in public spaces come under closer scrutiny.
The fire that broke out during the screening of Chhava at Select City Mall has drawn attention to the importance of fire safety in public spaces. Thanks to a swift evacuation and prompt response by the Delhi Fire Services, the situation was brought under control without casualties. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers in crowded public spaces and the need for vigilant safety practices.
