Iroquois Theater Fire cont…
{ The North exit doors were blocked by a curtain-when patrons
eventually found the door, they were discouraged by an
unfamiliar locking device.
{ Other main exit doors opened against the flow of traffic
(opened into the building).
{ Dead end corridors and obstructed exits caused panic,
pushing, jumping, and rushing for exits
{ The backstage freight doors were opened for escape,
however, they added oxygen to fuel the fire and create and
enormous fireball.
{ Wired and nailed shut vents above the stage sealed the
smoke and heat in the Auditorium.
{ Iron gates barred the exit stairways in the foyer for those
patrons who did escape the auditorium.
{ Many patrons bodies, being overcome by heat, fire, smoke,
asphyxiation, and crush injuries were piled up at these gates
in the foyer.