Hartford circus fire
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A circus fire occurred on July 6, 1944, in Hartford, Connecticut, killing at least 167 people and leaving more than 700 injured. It was one of the worst fire disasters in United States history. The fi
Tent on fire
Connecticut State Police photo
The Flying Wallendas
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The Flying Wallendas is a circus act and group of daredevil stunt performers who perform highwire acts without a safety net. They were first known as The Great Wallendas, but the current name was coin
Hartford circus fire
…were blocked by circus wagons or other items. The fire began as a small flame after the lions performed, on the southwest sidewall of the tent, while The Flying Wallendas were performing. Circus bandleader Merle Evans was said to have been the first to spot the flames and immediately directed the band to play "The Stars…
Carla Wallenda, Karl Wallenda, Raymond Chitty, and Richard Guzman (Carla's husband), c. 1965