On Aug. 13, 1944, a deadly fire erupted on a spinning amusement park ride, sending leaping flames roaring across a landmark New Jersey playground.
There were six fatalities - three boys and three girls - and 125 injuries in the swift-moving blaze that started at the Virginia Reel ride at the Palisades Amusement Park, located along the Hudson River facing New York City, according to the September 1944 edition of Fire Engineering magazine.
The 15-acre park was especially busy that day with families seeking relief from a fourth successive day of record-breaking hot weather. An estimated 25,000 people fled from the flames, the Associated Press said - and some scaled fences to reach safety.
Firemen from 18 communities answered the alarm and one fire engine was burnt while pumping water.
Fire Engineering described the Virginia Reel as a ride "built in the shape of a mountain," with bucket cars pulled to the top and released down "a twisting, turning path, passing through a small tunnel."
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