Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

 On 25 March 1911, a fire began at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory in New York. (A shirtwaist was a type of women's blouse). The fire began on the top floors of a building. Some workers could not escape because a door to a stairwell was locked to prevent employee theft. One fire escape collapsed while people were trying to climb down it. Unfortunately, the fire department ladders were not long enough to reach the top floors of the building.

Altogether 146 people died, some of them jumping or falling from windows. After the tragedy, the New York State Legislature formed the Factory Investigating Commission. As a result of their findings, many laws were passed in New York State to improve the safety of factories. Laws were also passed regulating the employment of women and children.

A memorial to those who died was created in 2023.