The deadly fire at old St. Anthony Hospital in Effingham was judged the 8th most heartbreaking moment in Illinois history, according to an article on the XFM website.
As part of the Illinois' bicentennial celebration, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Illinois Bicentennial Commission and the State Journal-Register are compiling lists of the Top 200 of Illinois — the Top 10 in 20 categories. Top 10 heartbreaking moments in Illinois was one category.
Fire destroyed the 100-bed St. Anthony Hospital on April 4, 1949, killing 74 people, including 11 infants and those who stayed with them.
Investigators found many safety deficiencies in the hospital, which inspired new regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
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