Coroner's Jury Report- School Fire Chicago SOF & Sil. Print 1-59: Film: Chicago Film Archives

Identifier

F.2012-03-1710

Date Of Production

1959

Abstract

Black and white footage of the Coroner's Jury Report during the inquest into the fire that took place at Our Lady of the Angels School in Chicago on December 1, 1958. 92 pupils and 3 nuns died.

Description

The film begins with the coroner stating there will be no smoking in the room or demonstrations/disruptions. He states there are deputies there that will remove people from the room if needed. He says this is the continued inquest of December 1958 looking into the deaths of the victims of the fire that took place at Our Lady of the Angels School at 909 N Davis Ave, Chicago, Illinois on December 01, 1958, at or around 2:42 pm. He then reads the cause of death of 3 of the victims. He says they came to their deaths from asphyxiation from smoke inhalation. He says the 90 other cases that make the record cause of death are mostly smoke inhalation, fractures, and second and third-degree burns. One of the other men at the table asks that the jury get a copy of the report when they return and that it is a lengthy report to cover but they need to see everything. Cut to another man joining the table of speakers. They open an envelope of papers. The newest speaker says he has been disturbed by reports that are discrediting the City of Chicago and city officials in reference to the fire. He states he has handed the verdict of the jury to the coroner. He commends the coroner on his dignity for handling this tough case. He compliments the jury and calls them upstanding men of the US and has done a wonderful job. The coroner reads the verdict from the jury.