PANIC IN A CIRCUS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 101, 29 April 1878, Page 4

PANIC IN A CIRCUS.

Calais was the scene of a terrible panic in a circus lately. Tbe.building, belonging to Messrs Priami and Pierantoni, was constructed of wood, and capable of accommodating between 3000 and 4000 persons. On Sunday it was crowded, and towards the end of the performance, during the representation of a pantomime, a band of young men rose from their seats, and some one shouted " Au feul" causing aa immediate stampede down the inclined plane on either side of the circus serving for the entrance and exit of the second-class. The persons who first reached the bottom of the staircase instead of making for the door by which tbey had entered, attempted to open an extra door reserved for caseß of emergency. This door opened inwards ; a block immediately ensued, people jumping down from the gallery upon those juatling below. Four firemen hearing the alarm and seping the people rushing out, shouted "Fire." The watchman at the adjoining belfry rang the note of warning, alarming the town and garrison. The infantry and artillery were soon on the spot. ■Though not needed to extinguish fire they did useful service in conveying the wounded to the Hotel de Ville. From a pile of bodies around the doors were taken nine .corpses— two men, four boys, one ivoman, and two girls. A quarter of an hour later another hoy died. On Monday morning two were found mortally, three severely, and fourteen slightly wounded. Among the victims were a lather aud a little girl, the father struggling to save the chi'dj both were ultimately bruised to death. In all there have been 12 deaths and 20 personß wounded.