Courts / Dublin / Report

Stardust survivor says force of crowd broke her hand from friend

Date
2023-11-08

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In the Dublin District Coroner's Court, Tina Brazil, aged 17 at the time, recounted her attempt to escape the Stardust nightclub fire with friend Carol Bissett. Brazil described the scene as a "big ball of smoke" and the crowd's force pulling them apart. She said she held Bissett's hand until it broke, then they were carried in opposite directions. Brazil later learned Bissett had died in hospital. Catherine Moore, also present, described the darkness, screaming, and the doors being locked, noting she was dragged out and cut her hands and legs on glass. Pauline Jenkins testified about a chain‑locked exit and a white van outside. Noeleen Kearney described the fire reaching the ceiling and the chaotic crowd pushing toward exit five. Patrick Coates, 18, recounted thick black smoke, his girlfriend's safety, and their escape through a locked exit. The inquest continues tomorrow.