Fire Evacuation of Otakon, Baltimore Convention Center, July 31, 2010

During the annual Otakon anime convention someone pulled the fire alarm, which resulted in the evacuation of between 20,000-30,000 participants, many of them were dressed in costumes. During the chaos of such an evacuation, some people were dancing in conga lines and there was even an outbreak of Rickrolling (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rickrolling).

After being outside for over an hour, the convention was gradually reopened. The official word from the Otakon organizers was that there was no fire. Some jerk just decided to pull the fire alarm.

You can view my other video about Otakon 2010 (which includes other events besides the fire evacuation) at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq58ymtBGEg

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• fire alarm
• false alarm
• Otakon
• 2010
• convention
• anime
• manga
• Japanese culture
• video game
• videogame
• conga line
• Rickrolling
• Never Gonna Give You Up
• Rick Astley
• cosplay
• furry
• costume
• Baltimore Convention Center
• Maryland

[sagesaria]

I'm working on a video project about the Otakon Fire Drill; may I use this video in it? I promise to give credit :)

[twistedunicorn]

@sagesaria Sure. It'll be interesting to see all of the various footage compiled into one video. PM me if you have any other questions or want more details.

[gzgazzgirl]

Best. Day. Ever. xD

I was on the forth floor, front row seats in panel 3, and was suddenly made to evacuate and possibly not return to my amazing seat. I did but thats besides the point. =.=

I filmed the whole thing too...

maybe i should post also?

[twistedunicorn]

@gzgazzgirl Sure, go for it!

[wiiplayer9revisited]

Probably (I'm just making a random guess here), some purist wanted to tick off all the dub fans.

[rockyiii1]

yahahahaha, i was in vic mignogna's panel when this happened. sucks for you guys xD

[InsaneOtaku66]

Oh god, that was wonderful.

I feel sorry for the people that got sick from overheating, though >.<

But the random dancing, marco polo, and yelling at jerks in cars wanting to get across the road that people were obviously crossing over in large masses was pretty fun.

[gzgazzgirl]

@lilbuddy106 I know. XD

It was my first time there, too~!

Can't wait for this year!!!

[lilbuddy106]

7:12 the rick roll heard 'round the world!

[lilbuddy106]

@gzgazzgirl omg, i felt bad when u said u had to leave ur seat... but to get the same awesome seat AGAIN??? otakon loves u!

[icepopcandy]

Omg me my mom and dad left alittle bit before that to have lunch but my brother and his friend were there. When we finished our lunch we saw everyone going back in.

[itsumo212]

6:34 see that incredibly frustrated/lost looking america in the bottom left corner?? that's me ^____^ i was not a happy afred