87 victims of Happy Land nightclub fire remembered 29 years later

The victims of the Happy Land nightclub fire in the Bronx were remembered Monday at a special memorial service 29 years later.

News 12 Staff

Mar 26, 2019, 2:21 AM

Updated 1,870 days ago

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87 victims of Happy Land nightclub fire remembered 29 years later
The victims of the Happy Land nightclub fire in the Bronx were remembered Monday at a special memorial service 29 years later.
Eighty-seven people were killed when the West Farms nightclub went up in flames in 1990. A monument sitting across the street from the site of the flames remembers the victims.
Community members united Monday night for a special Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. Congregants then held a procession to the monument.
Convicted arsonist Julio Gonzalez set the club on fire using gasoline following an argument with his ex-girlfriend, who worked there. The club lacked adequate exits and alarms.
The fire is among the reasons for various regulations, including occupancy limits, exit signs and smoke detectors.
Community Board 6 says there will be an even bigger memorial next year for the 30th anniversary.


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