Hostel managers refuse to give evidence at inquest

The operators of an Australian hostel where an Irish woman and 14 other backpackers died during a fire six years ago have refused to give evidence at a new inquest into the cause of the deaths.

Limerick woman Julie O'Keefe was among those who perished in the fire at the Palace Backpackers' Hostel in the town of Childers in June 2000.

Fruit-picker Robert Long was jailed for life for starting the blaze.

However, the inquest into the deaths has been reopened to examine if any charges should be brought against the hostel operators regarding alleged breaches of fire safety regulations.

Yesterday, the inquest heard that bars had been erected across the window of one room where nine bodies were found, while a bunk bed was also blocking the emergency exit.

The two managers of the hostel, who could face manslaughter charges, have both refused to give evidence on the basis of legal advice that their answers could incriminate them.