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Any delay in exiting 'toxic' Stardust increased chances of death, expert tells inquest

Summary

During the 1981 Stardust nightclub fire, Dr Richard Shepherd testified that any delay in escaping the toxic, hot environment would have increased the likelihood of death. He explained that rapid incapacitation from inhaling fire fumes and heat was the cause of death for the 48 victims. Shepherd cited specific cases: Jacqueline Croker, 18, who fell after running across a seat aisle; Liam Dunne, 18, who died 25 days later from bronchial pneumonia and lung abscesses; Michael Farrell, 26, with a high hydrogen cyanide reading; Michael French, 18, identified in 2007 with significant burns and a 24% carbon monoxide level; David Flood, 18, with a 56% carbon monoxide level; Thelma Frazer, 20, with a 25% carbon monoxide level; Josephine Glen, 16, who survived five days after being found near exit five; Brian Hobbs, 21, with 39% carbon monoxide; Eugene Hogan, 24, who was last seen on the dance floor before lights went out; Murtagh Kavanagh, 27, with a 48% carbon monoxide.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Any delay in exiting 'toxic' Stardust increased chances of death, expert tells inquest. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• March 11, 1981 Other
• February 19, 1981 Other
• 2024-01-11 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report