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Triangle Shirtwaist Company

Description

One hundred forty-six workers were killed in a 1911 fire at a New York City garment factory because the doors were locked to prevent petty theft. People who did not jump from the building died from smoke inhalation, burns, or being trampled in the escape. The defendants fastened, locked, and bolted a door in the factory that led to a hallway in the building that exited to a public street. When the fire broke out, workers tried to exit through the door, but were trapped. The company also allowed inflammable and combustible materials to accumulate in the factory.

Prosecutors

District Attorney Charles Whitman; Charles F. Bostwick; Robert S. Johnstone

Incident Type

Fire/ Explosion

County

New York

State

New York

Date

March 25, 1911

Available case materials include

  • Case/Court Decisions
  • Media Clips & Gov't. Press
  • Other Materials

Contact for Additional Information

Unavailable

Victims

First Last Age Title Employer Injury Type
146 workers (see full list in Media & Advocacy folder) Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Triangle Waist Fatality

Defendants

Name Type Title Plea Information Conviction Sentence
Isaac Harris Individual Owner Pleaded not guilty Acquitted by jury.
Penal Crimes Charged

First Degree Manslaughter; Second Degree Manslaughter

Other Crimes Charged

Unavailable

Max Blanck Individual Owner Pleaded not guilty Acquitted by jury.
Penal Crimes Charged

First Degree Manslaughter; Second Degree Manslaughter

Other Crimes Charged

Unavailable