The compressive asphyxia of one hundred and…

The compressive asphyxia of one hundred and eighty-three children between three and fourteen years old is the worst disaster of its kind in British history.

At the end of the show, an announcement is made that children with certain numbered tickets will be presented with a prize upon exit.

At the same time, entertainers begin distributing gifts from the stage to the children in the stalls.

Worried about missing out on the treats, many of the estimated eleven hundred children in the gallery stampede toward the staircase leading downstairs.

At the bottom of the staircase, the door has been opened inward and bolted in such a way as to leave a gap only wide enough for one child to pass at a time.

It is believed this was to ensure orderly checking of tickets.

With few accompanying adults to maintain order, the children surge down the stairs toward the door.

Those at the front become trapped, and are crushed to death by the weight of the crowd behind them.

When the adults in the auditorium realize what is happening, they rush to the door, but cannot open it fully as the bolt is on the children's side.

Caretaker Frederick Graham runs up another staircase and diverts approximately six hundred children to safety.

Meanwhile, the other adults have resorted to pulling the children one by one through the narrow gap, before one man pulls the door from its hinges.

Queen Victoria sends a message of condolence to the grieving families.

Donations are sent from all over Britain, totaling five thousand pounds, which is used for the children's funerals and a memorial in Mowbray Park.