PHOTOS: In the heart of the bustling Las Vegas strip, dire tragedy once struck. The MGM Grand fire of November 21, 1980 was the second largest loss-of-life hotel fire in the history of the United States, and the deadliest event in Nevada state history. Because of the raging fire and severe smoke from the blaze, 87 people died, and over 700 were injured in the 26-story building.
At the time of the fire, approximately 5,000 guests and staff occupied the hotel, leaving many to live to tell the story of this accidental, yet avoidable, disaster.
This calamitous fire started in the Deli, an upscale restaurant on the casino floor, due to a number of electrical issues that took place that morning. The Deli was not sprinklered, and there were no heat or smoke detectors installed. After a failed attempt by one employee to contain the fire, witnesses contacted emergency services.