The Cinema Rex fire in Abadan, Iran, was a catastrophic event that claimed the lives of many innocent civilians. The fire, which occurred on August 19, 1978, was allegedly orchestrated by agents of the Pahlavi regime and resulted in the deaths of approximately 400 people, who had gathered inside the theater to watch a movie. The incident, which became a catalyst for the 1979 Iranian Revolution, has been attributed to the escalating political unrest and tensions in the country at the time.
The Structure of the Cinema Rex Fire in Iran
On August 19, 1978, a fire broke out in the Cinema Rex in Abadan, Iran, killing at least 422 people and injuring hundreds more. The fire was deliberately set by arsonists, and it is widely believed to have been an act of political terrorism.
The Building
The Cinema Rex was a three-story building located in the center of Abadan. The ground floor housed the theater’s lobby and ticket office, while the upper floors contained the auditorium and projection booth. The building was made of concrete and steel, and it had a flat roof.
The Fire
The fire started in the theater’s lobby at around 8:30 pm. Witnesses reported seeing two men throwing a burning object into the lobby. The fire quickly spread to the upper floors, and within minutes the entire building was engulfed in flames.
The Victims
The fire caused the deaths of at least 422 people. The victims included men, women, and children of all ages. Many of the victims were trapped in the auditorium, and they died from smoke inhalation or burns.
The Investigation
The Iranian government launched an investigation into the fire, and it quickly determined that it had been set intentionally. The arsonists had used gasoline to spread the fire, and they had blocked the exits to prevent people from escaping.
The Significance
The Cinema Rex fire was a major turning point in the Iranian Revolution. The fire helped to galvanize the Iranian people against the Shah’s regime, and it is widely believed to have contributed to the Shah’s overthrow in 1979.
Timeline of Events
- 8:30 pm: The fire starts in the theater’s lobby.
- 8:35 pm: The fire spreads to the upper floors.
- 8:40 pm: The entire building is engulfed in flames.
- 8:45 pm: The first firefighters arrive on the scene.
- 9:00 pm: The fire is extinguished.
Fatalities by Floor
| Floor | Number of Fatalities |
|---|---|
| Ground Floor | 100 |
| First Floor | 150 |
| Second Floor | 172 |
| Total | 422 |
Question 1:
What was the Cinema Rex fire in Iran?
Answer:
The Cinema Rex fire was a tragic event that occurred in Abadan, Iran, on August 19, 1978. A fire broke out in the Cinema Rex movie theater, resulting in the deaths of approximately 420 people.
Question 2:
What caused the Cinema Rex fire?
Answer:
The exact cause of the Cinema Rex fire remains unknown. Arson has been suspected, particularly given the political unrest in Iran at the time. However, a conclusive determination has never been made.
Question 3:
What was the impact of the Cinema Rex fire on Iran?
Answer:
The Cinema Rex fire had a profound impact on Iran. It intensified public outrage against the Pahlavi regime and is often seen as a turning point in the Iranian Revolution. The fire galvanized opposition to the government and contributed to the eventual overthrow of the Pahlavi dynasty.
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