COLUMBUS, Ohio — On April 21, 1930, Easter Monday, a fire tore through the Ohio State Penitentiary, killing 322 inmates and injuring about 130 others.
Investigators later determined the blaze was intentionally set as part of an escape attempt. The disaster would go on to reshape prison fire safety standards nationwide and contribute to the creation of the Ohio Parole Authority. Yet today, there is no official state recognition of the tragedy.
Witnesses say between 5:30 and 5:45 p.m., the fire ignited shortly after inmates returned from dinner and were locked in their cells, which is why many could not escape. Witnesses say the fire quickly spread through the prison’s roof on the west block…