Southgate in Campbell County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire

1. Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire Marker

Inscription.
Site of Beverly Hills Supper Club, popular night spot from 1930s—70s. Burnt May 28, 1977 killing 165. Third worst nightclub fire in US; changed building-code enforcement. First disaster case tried as class action suit, merging 300 claims. Landmark litigation lasted years. Settlements of some $30 million. First mass tort action in USA.

Emergency squads came from miles around. Temporary morgue set up in nearby Ft. Thomas Armory. Families arrived for days searching for loved ones, as site smoldered. Story dominated the news. Probable cause was faulty aluminum wiring. Most people in area knew someone who lost family here.

In memory of those who perished in the fire.

Erected 2007 by Kentucky Historical Society; and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 2237.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 28, 1977.

Location. 39° 3.868′ N, 84° 27.621′ W. Marker is in Southgate, Kentucky, in Campbell County. Marker is at the intersection of Alexandria Pike and Beverly Hills Drive, on the right when traveling east on Alexandria Pike. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Newport KY 41071, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. William H. Horsfall (approx. 0.6 miles away); Congressmen Buried in Evergreen (approx. 0.6 miles away); Samuel Woodfill (approx. 0.6 miles away); Fort Thomas Spanish-American War Memorial (approx. ¾ mile away); Ft. Thomas Army Post / Rock of Chickamauga (approx. ¾ mile away); Highland United Methodist Church (approx. 1.4 miles away); St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (approx. 1.8 miles away); Brent Spence (1874-1967) (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southgate.

Regarding Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire. The club was filled to double the allowed capacity; it did not have the required number of exits; and it had no fire alarm or fire sprinkler systems.

Beverly Hills Supper Club Marker image. Click for full size.

2. Beverly Hills Supper Club Marker

Reverse side of marker.

3. Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire Marker

4. Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire Marker

The club was at the end of this side road.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2019. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 595 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 28, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.