Courts / Ireland / Report

Stardust waitress saw ceiling start to collapse, inquest hears

Summary

During the Stardust fire, 17‑year‑old waitress Pauline McConalogue was collecting glasses near the front of the stage when she saw the ceiling begin to burn and collapse. She had no fire drill experience and did not know the location of fire exits. McConalogue described the scene as a "mass of flames" with smoke that was "terrible." She was unable to see where to go and felt panic among patrons, although the DJ urged them not to panic. She was pulled out of the club, lying on the ground outside the door, and was not injured but her clothing was burned and she was overwhelmed by fumes. She had no knowledge of any match being used to ignite the seats and had not heard anyone mention such a cause. The inquest continues to examine the events of that night.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Stardust waitress saw ceiling start to collapse, inquest hears. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2023-06-16 Publication

Why: "The shutters or at least a portion of them, were fully open at this time because I could see into that area where the fire was. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report