Courts / Dublin / Report
Stardust coroner summarises causes of death of 48 victims
Summary
In the final stage of the Stardust inquest, Dr Myra Cullinane summarised the pathological evidence presented by pathologists Dr Richard Shepherd, Dr Nat Cary and Dr Benjamin Swift. She reviewed each of the 48 victims alphabetically, noting their birth dates, last movements on the night of the February 14, 1981 fire, dates of death and the methods used to identify them. Identification methods included visual recognition, property such as clothing or jewellery, dental records and, for five victims—Eamon Loughman, Paul Wade, Michael Ffrench, Richard Bennett and Murtagh Kavanagh—DNA analysis in 2007. Cullinane detailed that most deaths were caused by rapid incapacitation from inhalation of fire fumes and heat. She concluded the day's proceedings out of respect for the families and announced that the next part of the inquest would involve a summary of evidence from fire experts, with the inquest continuing tomorrow in the Rotunda Hospital's Pillar Room.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Stardust coroner summarises causes of death of 48 victims. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 14, 1981 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-03-21 Publication
Places mentioned
- Rotunda Hospital
Topics
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