Courts / Dublin / Report

'Like looking into hell': Stardust survivor tells inquest of fatal fire

Summary

During the Stardust inquest, Christine Carr, a 16‑year‑old survivor, described the fire as "looking into hell," noting a "rainbow of colours" that mesmerised her as flames spread across the ceiling. She said she was traumatised, having lost her friend Marie Kennedy, one of 48 victims. Carr recounted seeing a wall of fire when a partition rose, then a backdraft that vanished, leaving her in darkness. She described the smoke as hot, like burning tyres, and her struggle to breathe, feeling she would die. She was taken to hospital with her father and Kennedy's father, and a nurse brought Kennedy's jewellery. Carr also recalled panic, voices shouting "Open the door," and being carried out by the crowd. The inquest also heard testimony from Raymond English about opening exit five and the lack of visible locks or chains, conflicting with other witnesses' accounts. The hearing continues tomorrow.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Like looking into hell': Stardust survivor tells inquest of fatal fire. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 14, 1981 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2023-10-25 Publication

Why: Ms Carr said that she must have been carried out by the crowd, because she did not remember how she got outside. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report