Radio Quito's War of the Worlds - the deadliest media hoax in Latin America

FEB 12 1949

On the night of 12 February 1949 Radio Quito broadcast a localised adaptation of The War of the Worlds staged as live news bulletins, conceived by artistic director Leonardo Páez. Martians were reported landing at Cotocollao and a famous radio personality was vaporised on air; police and firefighters were dispatched. When the deception was revealed, a mob burned the downtown building housing both the station and the newspaper El Comercio. At least five people died, including the station's pianist and violinist. Radio Quito was closed for two years; Páez was acquitted but went into exile.