Have you heard about the day the clown cried? I'm Adam from Ripleys.com, and this is your Weird Minute. On July 5th, 1944, a train carrying the Ringling Brother and Barnum & Bailey Circus pulled into Hartford, Connecticut. The next day, 8,000 people showed up to the 500-foot big top to see the unusual menagerie of animals, clowns, and daredevils. 20 minutes into the great Wallenda's performance,
The house band abruptly began playing Stars and Stripes Forever, a code for distress among the circus workers. The conductor, Murley Evans, had spotted a fire growing up the sides of the tent. Before an announcement could be made, panic took hold. The tent had been waterproofed in part by gasoline, quickly turning into a fiery inferno. Circus goers clawed and cut at the canvas trying to escape, but in just 10 minutes, the 19-ton tent fell.
ultimately killing 168 people and injuring 700 more. The incident was officially called an accident, but six years later, arsonist Robert Dale Seagy confessed he had started the blaze. For more strange stories, visit ripleys.com. Rate The Weird Minute if you haven't already, and tune in tomorrow for another Minute of Odd.