Question

1. From the Book: Triangle: the fire that changed america

Describe how the trial unfolded. What was the defense strategy for the factory owners? What was the trial outcome?

Answer 1

The book which is based on the fire which consumed the building in New york city is a thrilling account of the event.

In that a reporter depicted all that he saw when the fire engulfed the edifice. The reported accounts depict the horrible speed with which the building erupted into fire and several noteworthy accounts from people who stood outside the building mentioned that there were no proper fire escape measures taken. There was only one fire escape, even though two more were required. The exit doors also opened inward rather than outward.

Defense strategy for the factory owners was that they presented evidence in such a way that deaths were caused because of the fire engulfing the 9th floor and not the doors which were locked. They further mentioned that keys to the locked doors were easily accessible and were in the locks. Thus stating that locked doors did not cause deaths.

The owners were charged, but were acquitted and were fined $75 for each life lost.