Courts / Dublin / Report
'Scale and enormity' of losing three family members in Stardust fire hard to conceive, inquest hears
Summary
The inquest into the 1981 Stardust fire, which claimed 48 lives, focused on the tragic loss of three McDermott siblings—Marcella (16), George (18) and William (22). The jury heard that all three died from rapid incapacitation due to inhalation of fire fumes and heat. Marcella and George were identified by dental records and clothing, with Marcella's coffin carried by friends in Ska attire as a tribute. William was identified by dental records and had the highest carboxyhemoglobin level (61%) among victims, yet his death was also attributed to inhalation of fumes. The proceedings highlighted the profound impact on the McDermott family, particularly mother Bridget, and underscored the difficulty of fully grasping the scale and enormity of the tragedy. The inquest was set to continue the following day.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Scale and enormity' of losing three family members in Stardust fire hard to conceive, inquest hears. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 2024-01-16 Publication
Places mentioned
- Tara Street
- Malahide Road
- Mater hospital
- Nazareth House
Topics
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