Courts / Dublin / Report
Stardust fire could have developed unnoticed by staff, expert witness tells inquest
Summary
An expert witness, Dr Will Hutchinson, testified at the Stardust inquest that a fire could have started in the hot press of the dispense bar without being noticed by staff. He explained that if the fire originated there, it would have been contained in the cabinet and channeled upwards like a chimney, traveling into the ceiling void without producing noise or smoke for several minutes. The sound of music in the club may have masked any sounds from the fire. Dr Hutchinson noted that the fire could have developed unnoticed due to the absence of heat, smoke, or noise. He also discussed the possibility of the fire spreading through the ceiling void, igniting combustible materials, and eventually reaching the West alcove. The expert confirmed that no evidence suggested the fire was started maliciously. The inquest continues.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Stardust fire could have developed unnoticed by staff, expert witness tells inquest. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 15 Other
- February 20 Other
- February 19 Other
- 2024-01-30 Publication
Why: Dr Hutchinson explained that he believes it is sometimes possible to witness the start of a fire due to feeling heat or smelling smoke or hearing a noise. CNI source report
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