Updated March 11, 2017 13:45:15

Crowds who gathered for the Vietnam premiere of the new King Kong movie fled in panic after a huge statue of the giant ape suddenly burst into flames.

At the event in Ho Chi Minh city for Kong: Skull Island, which is premiering around the world this weekend, audiences were watching live performances when the fire started.

Flames from a model volcano quickly spread to the statue and destroyed the entire stage at the premiere, Vietnam's VTC TV reported.

Video footage shows people running from the giant flaming gorilla, with some taking cover behind a large model ribcage to take photos.

Nobody was injured in the blaze, and it was reportedly extinguished in less than 20 minutes.

A Vietnamese official from Warner Bros said the company was grateful no-one was hurt in the "small fire".

"The resiliency of Kong's Vietnamese fans came through when they filled the theatre to enjoy the film," the statement issued to the Hollywood Reporter said.

Kong: Skull Island is about a group of scientists and soldiers attacked by a giant ape on a Pacific Island.

Topics: arts-and-entertainment, accidents, vietnam

First posted March 11, 2017 13:08:11