Denver Amusement Park Tragedy
Hard on the heels of the Ringling Brothers. Barnum & Bailey Circus disaster came another fatal fire in Elitch’s Gardens, a Denver (Colo.) amusement concession, which claimed six more victims, including two soldiers and their wives.
This fire, attributed by some to a “cigarette” but officially listed as of “unknown origin,” occurred in a series of connected combustible structures housing the winding scenic boat canal known as the Old Mill. Outbreak of the blaze is said to have been first noticed about three-quarters of the way through the long tunnel, as the last of three amusement boats were drifting past the spot. It was in this craft that the two soldiers and their wives who lost their lives were riding. Occupants of the first two boats reported they heard cries from the occupants of the other, and observed a flash of fire and burst of smoke. They managed to escape the sudden rush of flames by pushing their boats downstream, with the current. The opinion has been advanced that those in the rear craft attempted to shove their boat back, against the current and were overcome in the attempt.
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