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Today in History: Devastating fire at MGM Grand Hotel claims 85 lives

11/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On November 21, 1980, a devastating fire erupted at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Paradise, Nevada, claiming 85 lives, primarily due to smoke inhalation. The blaze originated from a pastry display case in a restaurant and rapidly spread through the casino, filling the hotel tower with smoke and injuring 650 others.

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Story summary

On November 21, 1980, a devastating fire erupted at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Paradise, Nevada, claiming 85 lives, primarily due to smoke inhalation. The blaze originated from a pastry display case in a restaurant and rapidly spread through the casino, filling the hotel tower with smoke and injuring 650 others.