The Laurier Palace Theatre was hosting a popular children's matinee when tragedy struck. The fire ignited in the projection room due to a short circuit and quickly spread throughout the building. At the time of the incident, approximately 400 children were in attendance, many of whom were attending the show unaccompanied by adults. Panic ensued when the flames spread rapidly, and children attempted to flee from the smoke-filled auditorium. The crowded conditions and a lack of proper exit signage contributed to the high death toll, as many were unable to escape quickly.

Emergency services arrived promptly, but the sheer scale of the incident overwhelmed their efforts. Seventy-eight children were confirmed dead, with many others injured. In the aftermath, investigations were launched to determine the cause of the fire and to assess safety protocols at the theatre. The incident led to profound changes in safety regulations for public spaces, particularly those catering to children, as the public demanded better oversight and enforcement of safety standards.

This tragedy not only shocked the local community but also gathered national attention. People across Canada mourned the loss of the young lives and rallied for responsibility in ensuring the safety of children during public events. The memorial services attended by countless community members highlighted the collective sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and marked a significant moment in the history of public safety regulations in the entertainment industry.