Doorway obstructions contributed to loss of life at the Stardust, inquest hears

Family and friends of the stardust fire victims. The inquests into the deaths began last summer. Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

When smoke and fire began to spread in the main ballroom of the Stardust, conditions would have become “untenable” for those still inside in some areas within 52 seconds, and all the patrons did not have enough time to escape, fresh inquests have heard.

Furthermore, there may have been a delay of a minute-and-a-half to evacuate everyone from the club due to some of the exit doors being “obstructed”, the 13-person jury was told.