[2] The fire swept the main circus tent, which crashed down in flames onto a crowd of about 4,000 people, setting off a stampede towards the exits.
[5] Parents, passers-by and autorickshaw drivers also attempted to pull children and others out of the tent, with some becoming victims themselves after being overwhelmed by the fire.
Animals were not hurt as they were not inside the ring at the time, and employees pulled caged tigers and lions away from the blaze.
21 adults who died were mothers and teachers who had brought the children to the special Saturday matinee for kids.
[7] An inquiry commission was formed, with the then high court Judge Justice NR Kudoor in the head position.