Courts / Dublin / Report
Electrical fault 'a likely cause' of Stardust fire, expert witness tells inquest
Summary
During the Stardust inquest, expert witness Dr Will Hutchinson, a fire investigator with 23 years of experience, stated that an electrical fault in a hot press was a likely cause of the 1981 nightclub fire that killed 48 people. He explained that defects in the electrical installation, including overloading of circuits and a removed plastic cover on the hot press's upper immersion unit, could have produced excess heat and ignited the wiring. The presence of combustible carpet tiles on the walls, combined with a low ceiling, contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Dr Hutchinson confirmed that PVC-coated seats could ignite from flaming droplets, and that the carpet tiles' ignition increased heat output, leading to the uncontrolled blaze. The inquest will continue tomorrow in the Rotunda Hospital's Pillar Room.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Electrical fault 'a likely cause' of Stardust fire, expert witness tells inquest. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 2024-01-29 Publication
Places mentioned
- Rotunda Hospital
Topics
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