Boston marks 80th anniversary of Cocoanut Grove nightclub fire where nearly 500 died
BOSTON - A ceremony marked the 80th anniversary of the Cocoanut Grove Fire in Boston Monday, the deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history.
On November 28, 1942, 490 people died and hundreds were hurt when stampeding guests were crushed and smothered as they tried to leave the burning club on Piedmont Street near the theater district, according to the Cocoanut Grove Memorial Committee.
The club was filled more than twice the legal capacity when the fire started. Many of the exit doors were locked. No official cause was ever announced.
The fire, which was also the deadliest disaster in Boston's history, led to changes in building codes and standards and medical treatment for burns.
"The impacts of Cocoanut Grove are already forever enshrined in the regulations, safety practices, the innovations and knowledge that have already saved countless lives," Wu said.
A remembrance event was held Monday afternoon at the site at 17 Piedmont Street.
The committee was established in 2015 to eventually create a memorial one block from the site in Statler Park on Stuart Street. Wu announced a new $300,000 grant to create the memorial.
Donald Hurwitz lost both his parents in the fire.
"They were great people. In fact, I was told that my mother was pregnant when they died," he said.