Courts / Dublin / Report

Stardust firefighters described being faced with 'inferno', coroner tells jury

Summary

The coroner in the Stardust fire inquest has informed the jury that firefighters described encountering an 'inferno' at the scene. The first fire engine arrived at the Stardust nightclub in Artane at 1.50am on February 14, 1981. One firefighter stated that the Stardust fire was the worst tragedy he had ever encountered in his 15 years of service. Another firefighter described seeing an inferno at exit door four, while another noted that the roof was gone and flames were visible. The fire was reportedly out of control before the firefighters arrived, with the inside of the building evenly burned. It was not until 2.54am that the fire was brought under control. Evidence indicated that many of the deceased were found near exit door five and the centre of the dance floor. Assistant station officer evidence suggested that only those in sheltered areas, such as the toilets, could be rescued.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Stardust firefighters described being faced with 'inferno', coroner tells jury. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 14, 1981 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2024-03-20 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report