Courts / Dublin / Report
Stardust survivor says he is reminded every day of image of burning girl
Summary
During the Stardust nightclub inquest, Benny Murphy, who was 18 when the fire on 14 February 1981 killed 48 people, recounted that for 42 years he has been haunted by the image of a girl burning in exit four. He described seeing the roof ignite, lights go out, thick black smoke, and a crowd jammed at the exit door that suddenly opened. Murphy said he could see a girl burning and that no one could help her because the exit door was on fire. He added that the fire caused white tiles to melt and drip onto people and tables, and that he heard screams from inside the toilets as people sought cover. He concluded that the tragedy has left lasting trauma for survivors and families, and he called for counselling support.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Stardust survivor says he is reminded every day of image of burning girl. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 14, 1981 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-10-26 Publication
Why: "I have to face every day for 42 years of going back and looking in exit four and seeing this girl burning, and you can't get her because the doors are on fire," he said. CNI source report
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