The origin of cosmic gamma-ray bursts remains one of the most intriguing
puzzles in astronomy. We suggest that purely general relativistic effects in
the collapse of massive stars could account for these bursts. The late
formation of closed trapped surfaces can occur naturally, allowing the escape
of huge energy from curvature-generated fireballs, before these are hidden
within a black hole.Comment: 4 pages Revtex, 1 figure. This essay received an honorable mention in
the Gravity Research Foundation essay competitio
