BUENOS AIRES — 2004 · Major Tragedy

The República Cromañón Fire

ClosedSources: ALast updated: 14 October 2026

On the night of 30 December 2004, during a rock band's concert at the República Cromañón venue in the Once district of Buenos Aires, a flare lit by an audience member set fire to flammable material on the ceiling. Thousands of people were inside, far above the permitted capacity, and one of the emergency exits was locked. Toxic smoke killed 194 people and injured hundreds. Argentina's worst fire disaster sparked outrage over lax inspections and corruption; Buenos Aires mayor Aníbal Ibarra was removed from office in March 2006. Several people, including the venue owner and band members, were tried and convicted.

Date: 2004
Place: Balvanera (Once), Argentina, Buenos Aires, AR
Category: Major Tragedy
Case Status: Closed
Coordinates: -34.6066, -58.4060 ↗

Timeline of Events

30 December 2004Fire at República Cromañón; 194 dead.
7 March 2006Mayor Aníbal Ibarra removed from office.

August 2009Venue owner sentenced to 20 years.
April 2011Appeals court also convicts band members.

Sources

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