Courts / Dublin / Report
Stardust fire 'less likely to spread' without carpet tiles, investigator tells inquest
Summary
During the inquest into the 1981 Stardust nightclub fire, expert witness Dr Will Hutchinson explained that the blaze would have been less likely to spread if carpet tiles had not been present on the walls. He noted that a low ceiling, foam on the seats, burning droplets, and the presence of carpet tiles all contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, which killed 48 people. Dr Hutchinson described how the fire may have originated in the west alcove or the hot press, and how heat from the low ceiling intensified the blaze. He also discussed the role of the hot press's immersion heater, the potential for electrical faults, and the impact of the ceiling's height on heat radiation. The inquest will continue tomorrow in the Pillar Room of the Rotunda Hospital.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Stardust fire 'less likely to spread' without carpet tiles, investigator tells inquest. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 2024-01-24 Publication
Why: He explained that hot gases rise upwards and are stopped by the suspended ceiling, which in this case was not that far above the seats that are on fire. CNI source report
Places mentioned
- Rotunda Hospital
Topics
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