Stardust jury begins to hear details of the causes of death

THE Stardust inquest jury has begun hearing details of the causes of death of those who lost their lives in the nightclub fire.

High levels of carbon monoxide found in many of the victims and inhalation of fire fumes and heat were identified as the main reasons.

Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane said that this evidence would be very difficult for the victims’ families to hear.

Forensic pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd said that he and his colleagues had been provided with the original postmortem reports and toxicology reports and photos taken at the time, as well as other details, of the 48 people who died on Valentine’s Day, 1981.

The first evidence the jury heard related to Michael Barrett, who was 17 at the time of his death. Dr Shepherd told the jury that the cause of death was the inhalation of fire fumes, confirming that carbon monoxide was present at a level of 50%. He also said that Michael suffered extensive charring and heat fractures, but it was not possible to determine if these were caused before or after death.

Dr Cullinane said that the families of the victims might like to know if the presence of inhalation of fumes indicated some diminution of suffering,

Inhalation of fire fumes

to which Dr Shepherd said that diminution of consciousness is one of the effects of the inhalation of these gases, so it was quite likely that this happened in this case.

Another victim the jury was told of was Jimmy Buckley, 23, who was found to have evidence of inhalation of noxious substances and soot in his airways.

Paula Byrne, 19, was found to have a measurement of exposure to carbon monoxide to a level of 55%, which confirmed her exposure to very high levels. Dr Shepherd confirmed that her death was due to the inhalation of fire fumes.

All three consultant forensic pathologists – Dr Shepherd, Dr Nat Carey, and Dr Benjamin Swift – confirmed that in the 48 deaths, all were exposed to an inhaled fumes atmosphere and a heated environment that was a causative factor in death.

The experts also said that they had reached a broad agreement on the causes of death of each victim.

The inquest continues.