BOSTON -- The tragedy in Warwick, R.I., is reminiscent of the Cocoanut Grove nightclub fire in Boston in 1942, which led to major changes in fire and building codes.

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Cocoanut Grove Survivors Remember Tragedy

On Nov. 28, 1942, the Piedmont Street club had approximately 1,000 occupants, many of whom were preparing to go overseas on military duty.

According to a Newsweek article, the fire began around 10 p.m. A busboy reportedly started the fire while trying to change a light bulb in the darkened lounge with a match.

The club was decorated in a Polynesian theme, with fake palm trees and cloth draperies decorating the walls and ceilings. The decorations quickly spread the flames throughout the basement lounge and into the upstairs dining area.

The fire killed 492 people. Fire officials later testified that perhaps 300 of them could have been saved if the club had doors that swung outward, instead of a revolving door that quickly became jammed from the press of bodies.

The club had a side door that was equipped with a panic lock that would release under pressure, but it was out of order and the door was secured with another lock.

The fire, the deadliest in a club or dance hall in U.S. history, led to sweeping changes in fire codes, including posting of occupancy limits and installing emergency and exit lighting.

The tragedy is also credited with leading to the development of counseling programs for families of victims.