Courts / Dublin / Report

'No evidence' that Stardust fire started maliciously, lead garda investigator found

Summary

During the Stardust inquest, Detective Superintendent John Courtney presented evidence that, after reviewing over 1,600 statements from the night of the February 14, 1981 fire that killed 48 people, he found no evidence that the blaze was started maliciously. He explained that all 841 attendees and staff were interviewed, and that the four youths seen on the roof had no connection to the fire. Courtney also described the investigative process, noting that statements from those in the curtained area were checked and eliminated as suspects, and that no credible allegations of deliberate arson emerged. He read his testimony and 1981 Garda statements into the record, while other witnesses, including fire officers and survivors, provided accounts of the emergency response and the chaotic evacuation. The inquest will continue tomorrow.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'No evidence' that Stardust fire started maliciously, lead garda investigator found. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• February 14, 1981 Other
• July 1980 Other
• 2023-12-11 Publication

Why: Mr Doyle said because Eamonn was ahead of him as they left the club, he assumed his friend was already out. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report