Courts / Dublin / Report

Stardust patron saw burning material drip down from ceiling over seats

Summary

During the 1981 Stardust fire, a 19‑year‑old patron named Kenneth Strong reported seeing a large, burning, melting‑plastic‑like material drip from the ceiling over a seat that was on fire. He described the falling substance as about twice the size of his fist and confirmed it was definitely on fire. Strong also noted that the material appeared to come from the ceiling and that he was the only person in his group who left the club immediately, citing the presence of chains on exit doors. He recalled seeing smoke drifting over a partitioned area and flames behind a shutter that closed off the left section of the hall. The inquest heard that the front door was initially locked and shutters were down, but a bouncer used a second set of keys to open the door and allow him to exit.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Stardust patron saw burning material drip down from ceiling over seats. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 13, 1981 Incident
• 2023-10-16 Publication

Why: Mr Strong also told the inquest today that he went to the main door, exit 2, when he decided to leave because he knew it was "the only one I could get out". CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report