Narrow escape for 170 as fire breaks out during 'Chhaava' screening at south Delhi theatre

NEW DELHI: There was panic at PVR Cinemas at the Select CityWalk mall in Saket on Wednesday after a fire broke out during an evening show. The blaze was quickly brought under control and police reported no injuries or casualties.
Around 170 people were evacuated. The incident occurred around 5.30 pm during the screening of the movie Chhaava in Audi 3. A police officer said, "Smoke was noticed in the upper right corner side roof with some sparking. The cinema staff and security got the hall vacated. All the 170 members of the audience were evacuated safely. Fire tenders and local police reached the spot immediately."
People described chaotic scenes as flames were seen in a corner near the screen and smoke filled the auditorium, prompting terrified movie goers to scramble for the exits. An X user posted, "Came to watch Chhaava; the movie was about to start when the fire alarm went off. We all had to evacuate — there was a fire in the adjacent auditorium. This is my first such experience."
People rushed to escape, with some jumping over seats and others pushing to get out. The theatre's emergency evacuation procedures were quickly put to the test, and fortunately no casualties were reported.
Delhi Fire Service received a call about the fire at 5.44pm and five fire tenders were dispatched to the location. Firefighters and emergency services quickly brought the blaze under control, but the incident left many shaken and raised concerns about fire safety in public spaces.
Videos of the fire circulating on social media captured the flames and the ensuing panic among the audience. "Around 30 firefighters were present at the site of the fire. By the time we arrived, the cinema staff had already ensured the safe evacuation of all audience members," a DFS official said.
The fire was contained before it could spread further, thanks to the fire sprinkler system and the prompt use of the fire hose reel by the cinema staff. A fire officer said, "The sprinkler system, which activates when it detects heat or smoke, played a crucial role in suppressing the flames. Additionally, the fire hose reel, which extends up to 15-20 metres and sprays water at high pressure, was used effectively by the staff to douse the fire before it escalated."
Even after the fire was extinguished, firefighters continued cooling operations to prevent any rekindling. "Cooling operations are essential to ensure there are no remaining heat pockets that could lead to another fire," a DFS official added.
Authorities are now investigating the exact cause of the fire. While PVR Inox declined to comment, Select CityWalk, in its official response to TOI, stated, "We are aware of the short circuit incident which took place at the adjoining multiplex. We are assisting the multiplex team and the authorities and extending full cooperation. There was no harm to any human life. Routine operations at Nexus Select CityWalk remain unaffected."