July 6, 1944 Hartford, Connecticut A fire ignites a circus tent, killing an estimated 168 and wounding over 700 The exact cause of the fire is unknown. One theory suspects a carelessly discarded cigarette, while another involves Robert Segee who admitted in 1950 to setting the blaze when he was 17. He later recanted this… Continue reading Circus tent catches fire, kills 168 and wounds 700
Tag: fire
Religious mob sets fire to hotel, killing 37
July 2, 1993 Sivas, Turkey A mob sets fire to a hotel, killing 37 including 2 members of the mob and injuring at least 51 The mob, who were Sunni Muslims, set the hotel on fire for unspecified reasons after attending Friday prayers. The Turkish government believed the attack was directed at Aziz Nesin who… Continue reading Religious mob sets fire to hotel, killing 37
Butane gas explosion kills 23, ignites house as far as a city block away (graphic)
June 28, 1959 Meldrim, Georgia A train carrying a butane tank derails; the resulting explosion kills 23 The train was traveling on a trestle bridge over the Ogeechee River when it derailed. It plunged into the river and exploded, killing and injuring swimmers and fishermen. According to the Associated Press, “A house a city block… Continue reading Butane gas explosion kills 23, ignites house as far as a city block away (graphic)
Steamboat catches fire, sinks, killing over 1000
June 15, 1904 East River, New York City, New York The PS General Slocum catches fire and sinks, killing an estimated 1,021 of the 1,342 on board The General Slocum was ferrying a group for an annual church function when a fire started in the steamboat’s Lamp Room. The flames spread rapidly due to oil-soaked… Continue reading Steamboat catches fire, sinks, killing over 1000
A fire on an amusement park ride claims the lives of 6 children and 1 adult
June 9, 1979 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia A fire consumes the ghost train ride at Luna Park Sydney, killing 7 The ride, which was constructed in 1931, was understaffed and had inadequate fire prevention systems. These unaddressed concerns led to the complete destruction of the ride. Approximately 35 people were on the ride at… Continue reading A fire on an amusement park ride claims the lives of 6 children and 1 adult
