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A MAN, believed to be a caretaker, was killed when a fire destroyed the former Odeon cinema in Penang Road - one of the oldest movie houses in the UNESCO George Town World Heritage Site here, last night.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow posted that one person was overwhelmed in the huge fire, which caused a massive jam in the heart of the heritage city.
Upon receiving an alert on the fire at Midnight Black (formerly Odeon Theatre) along Penang Road, he rushed to the scene together with Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying to assess the situation and receive updates from the relevant authorities.
Just hours earlier, Chow had passed the same area when he launched the 19th South East Asian Pipe Band Championships (SEAPBC) 2026.
The march began from the St Xavier's Institution grounds here.
Chow said firefighters acted swiftly to bring the blaze under control, successfully preventing it from spreading to adjacent buildings, including those along Sri Bahari Road.
The Fire and Rescue Department has also confirmed that one fatality was reported, while the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
"I understand that the premises had not commenced operations at the time the fire broke out. The cause of the incident and the extent of losses will be determined following detailed investigations.
“I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. At the same time, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all firefighters and emergency responders for their professionalism and swift action in safeguarding residents and properties."
Some 50 personnel from the fire stations and emergency responders arrived within minutes after a distress call was received around 8.50 pm.
This is the third fatality from fire in old buildings at the heritage enclave after renowned former lawyer Datuk San Markan Ganapathi, 88, and Chandra Binwani Jiwatram, 60, a clerk at the firm along King Street, died last month in an afternoon blaze, possibly from smoke inhalation.
It is believed that the fire at Odean happened while renovations were taking place at the back of the two-storey premises. – May 31, 2026
