Happy Land fire

The Happy Land fire was an act of mass murder and arson. It took place in the unlicensed Happy Land social club in West Farms, The Bronx, New York City, United States on March 25, 1990.

The fire was the deadliest in the United States since a fire at the Dupont Plaza Hotel in 1986. It was the deadliest New York fire since the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911.[1]

Almost 16 months earlier, in November 1988, Happy Land had been ordered to close due to building code violations.[2]

The building housing Happy Land was torn down within 24 hours of the fire. A Cuban, Julio González (1954-2016), was convicted of 87 counts of arson and 87 counts of murder. He was sentenced to 25 years to life.

Happy Land Fire Media

References

  1. "Worst New York Fire Since 1911". New York Times. Retrieved May 11, 2021.
  2. "Fire in the Bronx". New York Times. Retrieved May 11, 2021.