Fire breaks out at Uphaar Cinema, shut since 1997 tragedy; no one hurt

A major fire broke out on Sunday morning at Uphaar Cinema where a deadly blaze had killed 59 people in 1997. No injuries were reported.

The fire department said they received a call at 4.46 am and nine fire tenders were rushed to the spot near Green Park Metro Station. Furniture and other waste materials were gutted. The fire was controlled around 7.20 am.

Police said they did not find any foul play in the incident. "We suspect the fire started from waste. Some person might have thrown a lit cigarette or beedi stub and the waste, which included dry leaves, caught fire," said an officer.

The cinema hall has remained shut since 1997 and has gutted interiors, broken window panes, and damaged collapsible gates. With easy access and no security measures, locals claimed that it had become a hub of anti-social elements.