Related to Reports on cinematography in the Liverpool Mercury (c. 1895-1902)
Description:

'On Saturday evening, what might have ended in a serious disaster but for the promptitute and presence of mind of two or three individuals occurred at Tong Park Wesleyan Chapel, Baildon, near Bradford. A cinematograph entertaiment was being given to a crowded audience when an explosion of gas occurred in the apparatus and set fire to some draperies above. A large flame rose to the ceiling, and instantly there was a mad panic, many persons probably having recollections of the Paris disaster. Fainting women and children were trampled under foot, and there appeared little hope of clearing the building without serious loss of life. The promptiturde and presence of mind of Messrs Bentley adn Rigg, who were giving the entertainment, in cutting off the gas from the apparatus, prevented the fire from spreading and an explosion of the gas cylinders, whilst a number of men with more courage than the rest by superhuman efforts got the crowd out. The entertainers and a girl named Denby were seriously burnt about the face and hands, and a large number of others were badly bruised and are suffering from shock. Damage amounting to about £50 was done to the apparatus and living pictures.'