Five killed in cinema hall stampede

Unfortunate: The theatre in Salur where five persons were killed on Sunday.

VIZIANAGARAM: Five persons were killed and several others injured on Sunday in a stampede for tickets at a cinema hall in Salur, Vizianagaram district, screening the Telugu film “Magadheera”.

The tragedy occurred when enthusiastic ticket-seekers climbed the parapet wall of the booking counter for the first show. Some caught hold of a live wire following heavy jostling and exchange of blows and were electrocuted. They were taken to the Salur Community Health Centre where they were declared dead on arrival.

“They were electrocuted while trying to buy Rs.20 tickets. Of the five injured, B. Jagadeeswara Rao, in a critical condition, was shifted to the district headquarters hospital,” Vizianagaram SP Y. Gangadhar told The Hindu.

The dead were identified as Pothanapalli Apanna (20) of Marripalem, Pilli Linga Raju (18) of Medariveedhi, Kadapu Latchaiah (24) of Bobbilivalasa, Dukku Ramesh (25) of Bangaramapeta and Reddy Durga (26) of Dasariveedhi.

Senior officials, including Mr. Gangadhar, visited the site.

Film shows in Sri Lakshmi Talkies were suspended. P. Rajanna Dora, local MLA, consoled the bereaved families and demanded an inquiry into the incident.

Allu Aravind’s appeal

Our Special Correspondent adds from Hyderabad:

Meanwhile, Allu Aravind of Geetha Arts, producers of the film, while describing the deaths as ‘unfortunate’ called upon theatre managements to take steps for the safety of cine-goers. Mr. Aravind conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, on his own and on behalf of the film unit.