King Kong Dies in Massive Fire at Universal Studios Hollywood

Hollywood superstar King Kong was killed today in a massive fire at Universal Studios in Hollywood:

Shortly before 7 a.m., a building housing the King Kong exhibit went up in flames.

The blaze was reported in a sound stage on the studio back lot at about 4:45 a.m., and about 200 county firefighters were helping studio firefighters quench the blaze, which reportedly spread to the New York City streetscape.

At least one sound stage and several other buildings were believed to have been lost within about 30 minutes. Several acres on the 230-acre backlot were burning at one point, creating a black cloud over the Hollywood Hills.

Eliot Sekuler of Universal Studios said only the "lower" back lot was damaged, not the theme park on top of the hill. He said CityWalk and the Universal Studios theme park would be open on Sunday.

Funeral arrangements are pending. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to the Chiquita Banana Company.