The Stardust inquests’ jury has heard the testimonies from the survivors of the club’s devastating fire, reiterated by coroner Dr Myra Cullinane, indicating a unanimous opinion among patrons about the quick spread of the fire that swiftly engulfed the structure. The inquests, which are into the demise of 48 young individuals in an early morning fire at the Artane nightclub on 14th February 1981, are nearing the end, with Dr Cullinane predicted to conclude her assessment and guidance to the jury in the subsequent few days.
The coroner on Tuesday underlined the evidence offered by the club-goers, denoting that many presented vivid narratives about the hindrance in breathing due to smoke, a statement echoed in most of the evidence. Also, Dr Cullinane reminded the Dublin District Coroner’s Court jury about references to the smoke rendering people fatigued or sleepy. Furthermore, the prevailing description among the patrons was the hindrance in vision due to the smoke.
Furthermore, Dr Cullinane provided the jury an outline of the evidence relevant to the six emergency exits in the club. She also summarised the accounts of local dwellers around the vicinity of Stardust. These individuals reported noticing the fire between 1.15am and 1.38am. Previously, she notified the jurors of evidence indicating the Stardust function being advertised as a disco for over-21s. Nevertheless, the 1981 Inquiry Tribunal under Mr Justice Ronan Keane highlighted that the majority, 83 per cent of the people present that tragic night, were below 21. According to Dr Cullinane, most of these witnesses confirmed that age verification was not demanded to gain entry into the club.
Also, the coroner reiterated the testimonies from several patrons regarding their initial discovery of the smoke and fire, asserting universal consensus about the fire’s rapid spread, starkly engulfing the club. Subsequent to her evidence synthesis, Dr Cullinane will instruct the jury about the applicable legislation and clarify the conclusions they need to make and, consequently, the judgements they can make.
The Stardust inquests will proceed on Wednesday.