Courts / Dublin / Report
Witness tells Stardust inquiry of 'absolute panic' as fire took hold
Summary
During the Stardust nightclub fire, Dermot O'Neill, a booking entertainment worker, testified that the crowd experienced "absolute panic" as smoke quickly filled the venue. He described seeing a small fire on a seat about three rows from the wall, initially thinking it could be contained. He attempted to report the fire and locate an extinguisher, but within two to three minutes the smoke had taken over, lights failed, and a crush formed as people rushed to the exit. O'Neill noted that 775 customers were present that night and that he had paid £1,162.50 for catering. He recounted hearing complaints of a smell, seeing black smoke in the foyer, and urging people to keep moving as a "free for all" panic ensued. The testimony was given to the jury at Dublin Coroner's Court.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Witness tells Stardust inquiry of 'absolute panic' as fire took hold. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 2023-06-13 Publication
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