Died in prison
Name not reported
On April 21, 1930, a fire broke out on scaffolding at the Ohio Penitentiary in Columbus, and 322 people held there died, most of them from smoke inhalation. The record gives no names, ages or other details of the individuals who died. Sources report that a breakdown in command kept guards from unlocking the cell doors in time. The fire is described as the worst prison fire in U.S. history.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (neglect alleged). The fire started on scaffolding and most people died of smoke inhalation after a breakdown in command kept guards from unlocking cell doors.
Reported by: news reports.