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#1
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08-12-2009, 06:15 AM
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Pictures From The Happy Land Arson Fire
A deadly fire swept through the Happy Land social club in the Bronx on March 25, 1991, claiming 87 lives in one of the worst arson attacks in New York City history. The fire, set by an angry patron after a dispute, raised immediate questions about fire safety violations and enforcement in the city's entertainment venues. The fire broke out shortly after midnight in the club, which was located in a two-story building at 1959 Southern Boulevard. According to fire officials, the blaze was started by Julio Gonzalez, a Cuban refugee, who ignited gasoline at the club's only entrance following a dispute with his former girlfriend, a club employee. Most victims, largely from the local Honduran and Dominican communities, died from smoke inhalation and were found piled near the exits. The club, a popular spot for Latin music, had been operating without a proper license and had been ordered closed for building code violations, including the lack of fire exits and working sprinklers, officials said. Gonzalez, who confessed to the crime, was charged with 87 counts of arson and 87 counts of murder. The tragedy brought to light severe lapses in fire code enforcement and led to citywide inspections and stricter regulations for social clubs. |
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#5
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09-15-2016, 12:50 PM
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| My Rank: PRIVATE Poster Rank:9389 Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 16 Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Quoted: 7 Post(s)
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Re: Pictures From The Happy Land Arson Fire
Actually the fire happened in 1990 at 1959 Southern Boulevard in the West Farms section of the Bronx. Killer Julio Gonzales died in prison of an apparent heart attack earlier this week. http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/...icle-1.2791168 |