LIMA — 2001 · Major Tragedy
The Mesa Redonda Fire
At about 7:30 p.m. on 29 December 2001, in the Mesa Redonda market in Lima's historic centre, a demonstration at one of the stalls selling fireworks for New Year ignited nearby stockpiles and set off a chain of explosions. In an area of narrow streets lined with wood and adobe buildings, the fire spread across four blocks and burned for hours. At least 291 people were killed and at least 134 injured. The municipality had earlier declared the area an 'emergency zone' because of the danger. The disaster ranks among the deadliest fireworks fires in history and started a lasting debate in Peru about the fireworks trade and safety inspections of markets.
- Date
- 2001
- Place
- Mesa Redonda, Central Lima, Peru, Lima, PE
- Category
- Major Tragedy
- Case Status
- Closed
- Coordinates
- -12.0520, -77.0230 ↗
Timeline of Events
- December 2001The municipality declared the area an emergency zone over fireworks sales.
- 29 December 2001, 19:30A demonstration set off a chain of explosions; the fire spread over four blocks.
- 31 December 2001Officials warned the toll could exceed 300.
Sources
- The Guardian — Over 200 die in Peru fireworks blaze theguardian.com ↗
- BBC News — Peru fire toll 'could top 300' news.bbc.co.uk ↗
- Wikipedia — Mesa Redonda fire en.wikipedia.org ↗
- The Guardian
- BBC News
- Wikipedia
Source grade A: several independent sources, at least one an official record or reference work. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.