Niterói circus fire

The circus fire in Niterói occurred on 15 December 1961 in the city of Niterói in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro. In this case, up to 500 people died, 800 others were injured, some seriously. A lot of the victims were children.

Course

During a sold-out performance at the Gran Circus Norte - Americano with about 3000 spectators a fire was noticed by one of the circus performers. In less than 5 minutes, the fire spread over a large area of the circus tent. The tent was, according to the Indian manufacturer of nylon and was promoted by the circus as a modern innovation. Through the Fire the tendons were destroyed and the remains of the burning tent collapsed on the fleeing spectators. Many viewers it had not been possible because of the rapid spread of the fire to escape in time. Overall, there were about 3,000 spectators, 80 circus workers and 120 animals in the tent, the panic-stricken animals also contributed to the chaotic situation.

Cause of fire

An investigation found arson as cause of fire. A day laborer who was fired two days earlier from the tent structure, was found guilty in a trial along with two alleged helpers. This official version is, however, doubted. Also a technical defect is suspected.

Number of victims

The exact number of victims is not known. At the local cemetery Marui, there are 300 graves that can be directly assigned to the circus fire. How many people died later from the effects of the fire is not known.