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'We were trapped like rats': Stardust inquest hears of desperation and bravery

Summary

In the Stardust inquest, witnesses recounted the desperate attempts to escape the February 14, 1981 fire that killed 48 people. A 19‑year‑old survivor, Anthony Byrne, described trying to open exit four, feeling his skin burn off, and eventually being pulled out through exit five by a bouncer. Peter Burke, also 19, recounted smashing a window and steel frames to rescue two girls, noting the fire's rapid spread and the black tar‑like drips from the ceiling. Brian Baitson, 18, testified about failed attempts to open exit four, the chain and padlock that hindered the door, and the chaotic scene with melted plastic droplets falling from the ceiling. Siobhan McConalogue, 16, described seeing the chain and padlock on exit four and later helping a deceased person outside. Catherine Murphy, on the dance floor, recalled her friend's panic and her own fall before being pulled out through exit five. The inquest will resume on November 7.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'We were trapped like rats': Stardust inquest hears of desperation and bravery. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 14, 1981 Other
• Tuesday, November 7 Other
• 2023-10-27 Publication

Why: " He said he had no shirt on and confirmed to counsel that this was because it had been "burned off". CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report