The Continental Theater in Philadelphia was producing Shakespeare's Tempest in ballet form with a large corps of dancers. Just before a performance, as the women were dressing, the costume of one caught fire from a gas lamp. Others ran to help her and their dresses caught as well. Quickly, many in the dressing-room were ablaze. Seven women dancers died from their burns and others suffered serious injuries. (By John Osborne)
Source Citation
Chronicle, The Annual Register or a View of the History and Politics of the Year 1861 (London: F. & J. Rivington, 1862), p. 184-185.
Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, September 28, 1861, p. 312-313.
Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, September 28, 1861, p. 312-313.
Record Data
Date Certainty
Exact
Type
Crime/Disasters
