Courts / Dublin / Report
Stardust architects had 'little or no knowledge of fire safety', expert tells inquiry
Summary
An expert witness has stated that the architects of the Stardust nightclub had 'little or no knowledge of fire safety', which, combined with the lack of a functioning fire alarm and obstructed exits, contributed to the loss of life during the 1981 fire. Martin Davidson, a fire engineer with 29 years of experience, testified that the layout of the Stardust was 'fundamentally okay' but was undermined by poor fire safety strategy. He explained that the fire alarm only sent a signal to the management office and did not sound for patrons, a decision made at the insistence of Dublin Corporation to avoid panic, but which delayed evacuation. Davidson noted that most patrons did not realize the severity of the situation until screens were raised in the area where the fire was first observed. He also highlighted that the presence of carpet tiles on the walls rendered the means of escape redundant and that staff had no fire safety training.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Stardust architects had 'little or no knowledge of fire safety', expert tells inquiry. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 14, 1981 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-02-01 Publication
Why: He said this was done at the insistence of Dublin Corporation in order to avoid panic but added that this would have delayed evacuation. CNI source report
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