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The Western Chronicle Yeovil Friday 23 Jul 1920
Page 11 Column 5
TAUNTON DISASTER.
PANIC AT CIRCUS FIRE.
Four Killed and Many Injured.
Exciting scenes occurred at Taunton on Thursday afternoon, when an outbreak of fire occurred during a performance of Sanger's Circus. There was an attendance numbering over 1,000, mostly women and children. About half-way through the programme, when the clowns were boxing, a cry of fire was raised. Flames sprang up at one end of the tent, and, fanned by a strong breeze, swept onward with a roar. There was a wild stampede, and in the crush several people were injured or burnt, among them a number of children. Over 20 cases of burns were treated at Taunton Hospital, and nine were detained. Three children and one adult succumbed to their injuries, whilst many were injured.
Thrilling Rescues.
When the news of the fire spread people flocked to the Circus field, and there were several plucky rescues of women and children who were in danger. One of the performers had his clothes and hair burnt in carrying a women to safety. There were no animals in the arena at the time, and those being kept waiting for later turns were hurriedly removed from the danger zone. The band continued playing throughout the excitement. The Great Western Railway and Police Ambulance men assisted in the work of rescue, and conveyed the injured to Hospital. The outbreak is believed to be due to a lighted cigarette being dropped against the side canvas.
The Casualties.
There were four deaths and several cases which were regarded as serious. The fatal cases were those of: Mark Henry MALTRAVERS, aged six years, of Bradford-on-Tone, near Taunton; Arthur GRAY, aged 12 years, of Bishop's Hull; Miss Mary VICKERY, aged 39 years, of Silver-street, Taunton, and Mildred DREW (14), of 5, Albemarle-road, Taunton.
Doctor's Theory of Cause.
Dr. J. L. WREDDON, assistant surgeon, Indian Medical Department, of 52, Greenaway Avenue, Taunton, who was interviewed by a press representative, said he was sitting with his little boy on the top row at the south-west corner of the tent. He noticed a man strike a match and light his pipe, after which he threw the match behind him. It fell to the ground between the canvas wall and the flower-stand seats. His attention was drawn a moment later by a cry of “Fire, daddy!” from his son. He looked down, and saw the grass alight. The flame was then about a couple of feet in height. Almost immediately the fabric foundation of the wall flared up, and the flames speedily increased in volume until they reached the roof. By this time the huge tent was a blazing inferno, and the audience was rushing panic-stricken in all directions. The wind fanning the flames, the remainder of the fabric was quickly consumed.
An Interview.
Lord John SANGER, with his son, Mr. Edward SANGER, stayed overnight at the Castle Hotel, Taunton, where the latter was interviewed on Friday. “The damage,” Mr. SANGER remarked, “is of very secondary importance. What we are concerned about is the loss of life. Our circus has been running for over 90 years, and such a catastrophe has never occurred before. Until now we have never lost a life nor had an accident amongst the millions of spectators who have for nearly a century patronised our performances. Referring to the supposed cause of the outbreak, Mr. SANGER said they were unable to stop smoking amongst the spectators. Sixty of the circus employees were immediately on the scene, and started fighting the flames. It was, however, humanly impossible to get them under.”
The Inquest.
The inquest upon the four victims of the terrible disaster was opened at Taunton on Saturday by the Coroner for West Somerset (Mr. T. Foster BARHAM). Mr. C. P. CLARKE (solicitor) was present on behalf of Lord John Sanger and Sons, Limited, proprietors of the circus.
After hearing the evidence the Coroner recorded a verdict that Mildred DREW died from burns arising from misadventure, adding that in his opinion the fire was probably due to some careless person throwing down a lighted match.
Mr. CLARKE expressed the deep regret of the circus proprietors at the sad calamity, and their sincere sympathy with the bereaved families.
In each of the remaining cases the Coroner returned a verdict of death from shock and burning arising from misadventure.