Niterói circus fire
The Niterói circus fire was a fire disaster that occurred on December 17, 1961 in the city of Niterói, Brazil. A fire in the tent housing a sold-out performance by the Gran Circus Norte-Americano caused more than 500 deaths (including those resulting from injuries).[1] It was the worst fire to occur on Brazilian soil.
| Date | 17 December 1961 |
|---|---|
| Location | Niterói, Brazil |
| Deaths | 500+ |
| Non-fatal injuries | 800+ |
Circus
The Gran Circus Norte-Americano premiered in Niterói on December 15, 1961. It was advertised as the most complete circus in Latin America, with approximately 60 performers, 20 other employees and 150 animals. Circus owner Danilo Stevanovich had purchased a new tent made of nylon and weighing six tons. The circus arrived in Niterói one week before the premiere, and was set up in the Praça Expedicionário in the city center.[2]
Fire
With 3,000 people present, and with 20 minutes until the end of the show, a trapeze artist noticed the fire. In a little over five minutes, the circus was completely devoured by the flames. Of all the casualties, 372 died immediately, with the total reaching 500 dead as others succumbed to their injuries. About 70% of the victims were children. The circus tent imported from India had been advertised as being made of nylon, but was actually cotton treated with paraffin wax, a highly flammable material.[3]
Investigation
The fire was soon claimed to have been caused by arson. Three people were arrested and convicted of starting the fire. Independent investigations[4] and opinions[5] point to electrical problems that were covered up.[3]
References
- Cozer, Raquel (26 November 2011). "Obra vê maior tragédia circense do mundo". Folha de S.Paulo (in Portuguese) (30187). pp. E7.
- Da alegria ao terror, a tragédia do Gran Circus Portal Terra - acessado em 16 de dezembro de 2011
- Kunath, Wolfgang (10 January 2012). "Zirkuskatastrophe Das Brandmal". Frankfurter Rundschau (in German). Retrieved 1 February 2013.
- "O espetáculo mais triste da terra (book review)" (in Portuguese). Biblioteca Pública de Niterói. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
- Knauss, Paulo (1 June 2007). "A cidade como sentimento: história e memória de um acontecimento na sociedade contemporânea - o incêndio do Gran Circus Norte-Americano em Niterói, 1961". Revista Brasileira de História (in Portuguese). 27 (53): 25–54. doi:10.1590/S0102-01882007000100003. ISSN 1806-9347.