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Not possible to perform 'any meaningful' analysis on Stardust victims, forensic expert tells inquest
Summary
An expert witness has stated that the lack of proper documentation of body recovery following the Stardust fire prevents any meaningful analysis of the fire's effects on victims. Dr Richard Shepherd, a forensic pathologist, testified that the mortuary facilities were overwhelmed and inadequate, with victims placed on the floor beneath mortuary tables. He emphasized that immovable exit doors during emergencies could cause significant issues, as people tend to congregate near them. The inquest has moved into a new phase, with expert pathological witnesses providing evidence on the cause of death for the 48 victims. Dr Shepherd noted that the management of mass fatalities has evolved significantly since 1981, with modern practices including unique identifiers for each body. He highlighted that the lack of documentation made it impossible to analyze the effects of the fire and fumes on individuals.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Not possible to perform 'any meaningful' analysis on Stardust victims, forensic expert tells inquest. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- April 1981 Other
- 2024-01-09 Publication
Why: "That is partly because the exit doors are where people are likely, by definition to congregate in an emergency," he said. CNI source report
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