The Stardust inquest jury wrapped up its second day of deliberations on Thursday by requesting clarification on several issues that they needed to address before giving their verdicts on the deaths of 48 victims. At the end of the day’s proceedings in Dublin District Coroner’s Court, coroner Dr Myra Cullinane mentioned that the jury had posed several questions.
One of their main queries pertained to the fourth question in the general questionnaire they were given at the beginning of their deliberations. This question made reference to factors that might have helped the fire spread. The jury wanted to know if they should respond affirmatively, even if the contributing factor was minor or not very significant.
As an example, they highlighted the fact that if the building’s ceiling had been higher, the fire may not have spread as rapidly. This led Dr Cullinane to surmise that the jury was enquiring whether the fourth question specifically addressed a potential design flaw in the building.
Prior testimony during the inquest revealed that the Stardust’s ceiling in the west alcove, where the fire first broke out as observed by customers on the premises, failed to meet the regulatory height for such structures. Expert witness and fire investigator, Dr Will Hutchinson, had provided evidence supporting the claim that the low ceiling, by intensifying the downward heat, played a role in accelerating the fire’s spread.
Another concern raised by the jury related to the methodology for answering the questionnaire and reaching a verdict. They were curious about the court’s application of the questionnaire and its potential use in future legal proceedings.
The jury’s final query targeted the design of the generic questionnaire which allowed for specific yes/no answers. They were puzzled why specific issues were tackled and others were not.
However, Dr Cullinane chose to adjourn for the day, promising to address these matters when proceedings recommence at the Pillar Room of the Rotunda Hospital on Friday.