One killed as fire destroys historic Odeon cinema in Penang’s George Town heritage site

A man believed to be a caretaker has died after a fire gutted the former Odeon cinema on Penang Road, one of the oldest movie houses in the UNESCO George Town World Heritage Site, on the night of 31 May 2026.

The blaze broke out at around 8.50pm at the two-storey premises, which had most recently been operating as “Midnight Black” but had not yet commenced full operations. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said renovations were underway at the rear of the building when the fire started.

Chow, who had launched the 19th South East Asian Pipe Band Championships (SEAPBC) 2026 in the same area just hours earlier, rushed to the scene with Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying to assess the situation and receive updates from the authorities.

“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,” Chow said.

“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 and Rescue Department and emergency services responded within minutes of the distress call. The blaze was brought under control before it could spread to neighbouring buildings along Sri Bahari Road, though it triggered a massive traffic jam in the heart of the heritage city.

The Fire and Rescue Department confirmed one fatality while the cause remains under investigation.

The incident marks the third fire fatality in old buildings within the heritage enclave in recent months. Renowned former lawyer Datuk San Markan Ganapathi, 88, and Chandra Binwani Jiwatram, 60, a clerk at a King Street law firm, both died last month in an afternoon blaze possibly caused by smoke inhalation.

Source: The Vibes