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FIRE IN PICTURE THEATRE.
Port Melbourne Sensation.
Several Persons Injured.
MELBOURNE, Thursday.
A woman's leg was broken, several
other persons wsre badly bruised, and
still more suffered from shock as the
result of a panic in a picture theatre
at Port Melbourne late to-night, fol
lowing an outbreak of fire in the ope
rating box.
About 500 persons were watching the
screening of a film at about 10.30 o'clock,
when flames were noticed shooting from
the operator's box, situated under the gal
lery, at the rear of tht theatre. Cries of
'Fire' were raised, and a general stam
pede for all the exits followed.
In the panic Mrs. Elizabeth Waymouth
had one of her legs fractured. Several
children and adults suffered injuries from
being crushed. Cloaks and other wearing
apparel were deserted throughout the hall.
The police have reported that imme
diately the panic started pickpockets be
came active and relieved many women of
their handbags.
The cinematograph operator, llr. Hoy
Grecr, was burned about the lace by the
rapidly spreading flames before lie could
escape from the bos. _
The fire was extinguished. About £500
damage was caused by the outbreak.
$