The Niterói circus fire was a fire disaster which occurred on December 17, 1961 in the city of Niterói, Brazil. A fire in the tent housing a sold-out performance by the Gran Circus Norte-Americano caused more than 500 deaths (including deaths from sequels).[1]
The fire was soon claimed to have been caused by arson. Adilson Marcelino Alves, a disgruntled employee, and two accomplices, were later arrested and convicted for it. This is the official version – with scapegoats – maintained since then. Independent investigations[2] and opinions[3] point to electrical problems that were covered up.