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Victims Of Stardust Tragedy Re...

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Victims Of Stardust Tragedy Remembered On 40th Anniversary

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02:06 14 Feb 2021


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Today marks the 40th anniversary of Dublin's Stardust fire disaster.

48 people died and 214 were injured in the Artane nightclub fire, which broke out on Valentine's night in 1981.

More than 800 people attended the disco that night and despite two inquiries into the disaster, nobody has ever been held responsible.

A fresh inquiry into the events of that night will take place later this year, following a lengthy campaign by families.

Antoinette Keegan survived but lost her two sisters, Mary and Martina.

Stardust survivor Antoinette Keegan. Image: Newstalk

he says trying to escape the fire was an experience she will never forget.

"We were pushed to the floor, and people were running over us," she said.

"All I could remember thinking was, 'We're never going to get out, please God, help us, help us'.

"But we couldn't breathe, the smoke was that thick and it was going into your throat and stopping you from breathing.

"And then the heat and trying to hold your hand over your head because of the flames and stuff right on top of you.

"It was like being in hell, that's what it was like, being in hell and I'll never forget it."

 


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Dublin Stardust Stardust 40 Years On