Stardust inquest finds 48 victims died by unlawful killing in Ireland's most catastrophic fire

The jury in the Stardust inquest has ruled that the 48 victims died by unlawful killing, marking a significant milestone in a 43-year quest for justice following the most catastrophic fire in the State's history . The tragedy occurred at a nightclub in Artane on Valentine's Day in 1981.

The proceedings took place in the Pillar Room of the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin on Thursday. The jury foreman confirmed they reached the same verdict for all of the deceased.

The medical cause of death and place of death for each victim was read out in alphabetical order, with the majority of victims dying from rapid incapacitation due to the inhalation of fumes and heat.

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The jury concluded that an electrical fault in the hot press in the main bar caused the fire, but they were unable to determine the exact time the fire started.

The fire was first seen outside the building at 1:20am, and inside the building at 1:35am. The jury also found that carpet tiles on the walls, polyurethane used at the nightclub, ceiling tiles and the height of the ceiling of the west alcove all contributed to the spread of the fire.

The investigation revealed that the nightclub's ballroom exits were locked, chained or otherwise obstructed during the fire. The failure of the lights and a lack of staff preparedness also contributed to the fatalities, reports Dublin Live .

The first emergency call was made at 1.43am and police arrived at 1.50am. The major accident plan was implemented at 2.06am, and stage 2 of the plan was activated at 2.12am.

The verdict of unlawful killing was then announced. Families cheered, cried, and celebrated the verdict when it was announced, and standing ovations were given to people as they left the courtroom.

The inquests, which began last April, have sat for 122 days and heard from over 300 witnesses. It is the longest-ever inquest held in Ireland .

The jury has previously been told there are five verdicts open to them: accidental death, death by misadventure, unlawful killing , an open verdict and a narrative verdict. The 12-person jury told the court yesterday they had reached majority verdicts.

The Stardust victims:

Michael Barrett, 17, Raheny, Dublin 5.

Richard Bennett, 17, Coolock, Dublin 5.

Carol Bissett, 18, Ringsend, Dublin 4.

James Buckley, 23, Donnycarney, Dublin 5.

Paula Byrne, 19, Coolock, Dublin 5.

Caroline Carey, 17, Coolock, Dublin 5.

John Colgan, 21, Swords, Co. Dublin.

Jacqueline Croker, 19, Kilmore West, Dublin 5.

Liam Dunne, 18, Coolock, Dublin 5.

Michael Farrell, 26, Coolock, Dublin 5.

David Flood, 18, Beaumount, Dublin 5.

Thelma Frazer, 20, Sandymount, Dublin 4.

Michael French, 19, Coolock, Dublin 5.

Josephine Glen, 16, Coolock, Dublin 5.

Michael Griffiths, 17, Killmore, Dublin 5.

Robert Hillock, 20, Twinbrook, Belfast .

Brian Hobbs, 21, Whitehall, Dublin 9.

Eugene Hogan, 24, Artane, Dublin 5.

Murtagh Kavanagh, 27, Coolock, Dublin 5.

Martina Keegan, 16, Coolock, Dublin 5.

Mary Keegan, 19, Coolock, Dublin 5.

Robert Kelly, 17, Raheny, Dublin 5.

Marie Kennedy, 17, Killbarrack, Dublin 5.

Mary Kenny, 19, Coolock, Dublin 5.

Margaret Kiernan, 19, Coolock, Dublin 5.

Sandra Lawless, 18, Coolock, Dublin 5.

Francis Lawlor, 25, Finglas, Dublin 11.

Maureen Lawlor, 23, Finglas, Dublin 11.

Paula Lewis, 19, Coolock, Dublin 5.

Eamon Loughman, 19, Beaumont, Dublin 9.

George McDermott, 18, Raheny, Dublin 5.

Marcella McDermott, 16, Raheny, Dublin 5.

William McDermott, 22, Raheny, Dublin 5.

Julie McDonnell, 20, Coolock, Dublin 5.

Teresa McDonnell, 16, Coolock, Dublin 5.

Gerard McGrath, 21, Coolock, Dublin 5.

Caroline McHugh, 17, Artane, Dublin 5.

Donna Mahon, 17, Raheny, Dublin 5.

Helena Mangan, 22, Coolock, Dublin 5.

James Millar, 21, Twinbrook, Belfast.

Susan Morgan, 19, Derry.

David Morton, 19, Artane, Dublin 5.

Kathleen Muldoon, 19, Kells, Co. Meath.

George O'Connor, 17, Coolock, Dublin 5.

Brendan O'Meara, 23, Coolock, Dublin 5.

John Stout, 18, Coolock, Dublin 5.

Margaret Thornton, 19, Dublin 8.

Paul Wade, 17, Artane, Dublin 5.

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