Pemberton Mill collapse and fire in Lawrence, Massachusetts kills score of workers

Pemberton Mill in Lawrence, Massachusetts had been built in 1853 and was packed with 700 looms tended by up to 600 people, mostly young women. Just before 5 p.m., all five floors collapsed one by one killing scores outright and trapping perhaps 500 others.  Around 9:30 that evening, as rescuers dug out survivors in the dark, the ruins caught fire, burning alive scores more trapped victims.  In all, as many as 145 workers died.  (By John Osborne)