Two cinema halls gutted in Gajuwaka

Visakhapatnam: Tension prevailed at Gajuwaka junction after a major fire broke out in two of three Srikanya Cine theatres in the wee hours of Monday. However, no causalities reported in the incident.

Ten fire tenders from Gajuwaka, Pedagantyada, Malkapura fire stations and Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and HPCL were pressed into service to put off the fire. The officials took four hours to douse the fire and the damage in the fire mishap was estimated at Rs 3.5 crores.

With the high rise of flames, the residents near cine complex came on to the roads with their valuables. However, after the fire personnel convinced the people that there was no need to worry, they went back to their homes.

There are three screens in the Srikanya Cine Complex-- Kanya, Srikanya and Kanya Heaven-- and the management has equipped all the necessary fire and safety equipment to prevent fire mishaps. As usual after the screening of the second show, the staff closed the theatres and left the cine complex. One watchman is guarding the complex during the night hours.