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"We made it this far, we're going to get out of this" - Stardust injured told friend before passing away

Summary

Jimmy Fitzpatrick, a 16‑year‑old Stardust survivor, described how his friend Liam Dunne, who later died in hospital, comforted him in intensive care with the words "We made it this far, we're going to get out of this." Fitzpatrick, who suffered life‑changing third‑degree burns, recounted the night of the February 14, 1981 blaze, noting the fire's rapid spread, the chained exits, and the chaos that trapped many. He detailed his attempts to help friends, the sudden loss of power, and the overwhelming smoke that made breathing difficult. Fitzpatrick also recalled seeing other survivors, such as George O'Connor and David Morton, and the fear that the locked doors would prevent escape. The inquest, held at Dublin District Coroner's Court, heard Fitzpatrick's testimony about the fire's intensity, the "raining fire" droplets, and the desperate efforts to reach exits.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "We made it this far, we're going to get out of this" - Stardust injured told friend before passing away. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 14, 1981 Other
• May 29, 1981 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2023-11-17 Publication

Why: "We actually fell out because of the pressure being put on the doors," he explained. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report