Courts / Dublin / Report

Stardust survivor tells inquest of how wall 'opened up'

Summary

During the Stardust inquest, David Browne, a 19‑year‑old DJ, recounted being trapped in the club's toilets with his girlfriend when a wall suddenly cracked open, revealing a corridor and flames. He described hearing "things crashing on top of us" as the fire closed in, and the pair hearing water from outside, likely fire‑men's hoses. They struggled through the corridor, saw light, heard ambulances, and collapsed at exit three, which was open. They were pulled over a wall onto grass, taken in a blue van, and brought to Mater Hospital. Browne's testimony, read into the record, details the sequence of events from the fire's onset to their escape and medical treatment. The inquest also heard other survivors' accounts of locked exits, falling ceiling tiles, and the chaotic escape from the blaze. The proceedings continue tomorrow.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Stardust survivor tells inquest of how wall 'opened up'. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 15, 1981 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 13, 1981 Other
• February 17, 1981 Other
• 2023-11-28 Publication

Why: "I wanted to stay there because there was air there but my girlfriend said 'we'll have to make a break for it'. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report