FOCUS - The Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire
On Saturday, May 28th, 1977, a devastating fire erupted within the Beverly Hills Supper Club and claimed the lives of one hundred and sixty five people. This fire still remains the third largest nightclub fire in American history and resulted in a critical review of the nation's fire and safety codes.
On this episode of
Focus, Kathy Lehr talks with three men who have had different experiences with the Beverly Hills Supper Club. Recently, Ian Aldrich conducted interviews with many of the survivors and witnesses in preparation for the fire's 30th anniversary. Randy Allen, now a copy editor, was one of the first reporters on the scene and recounts what he witnessed that fateful night. And although Chris Jelenewicz was not present during this landmark fire, he and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers are providing technical information to construction companies, architects, and the fire protection community so that these types of tragedies can be avoided in the future.
On May 28, 2007, many survivors, former employees and those who lost loved ones gathered on the site of the Beverly Hills Supper Club in Southgate, Kentucky to remember
this devastating event. You can view the entire 30th Anniversary Memorial Service on
the Focus website.
Recorded
6/7/2007
at CET Studios - Cincinnati
Length: approximately 30 minutes