Niterói circus fire
Encyclopedia
The Niterói circus fire was a fire
disaster which 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 deaths from sequels) ; it was later proven to be caused by arson
. Adilson Marcelino Alves, a disgruntled employee, and two accomplices, were later arrested and convicted for the arson.
Fire
Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction products. Slower oxidative processes like rusting or digestion are not included by this definition....
disaster which occurred on December 17, 1961 in the city of Niterói
Niterói
Niterói is a municipality in the state of Rio de Janeiro, southeast region of Brazil. It has an estimated population of 487,327 inhabitants and an area of ², being the sixth most populous city in the state and the highest Human Development Index. Integrates the Metropolitan Region of Rio de...
, Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
. A fire in the tent housing a sold-out performance by the Gran Circus Norte-Americano caused more than 500 deaths (including deaths from sequels) ; it was later proven to be caused by arson
Arson
Arson is the crime of intentionally or maliciously setting fire to structures or wildland areas. It may be distinguished from other causes such as spontaneous combustion and natural wildfires...
. Adilson Marcelino Alves, a disgruntled employee, and two accomplices, were later arrested and convicted for the arson.