Summerland Inquest – Families lodge application for Fresh Inquest

Phoenix Law Lodges Application for Fresh Inquest into the Tragic Summerland Fire Disaster (Isle of Man, 1973)

For Immediate Release

In a pivotal move towards justice and transparency, Phoenix Law has officially lodged an application for a new inquest into the devastating Summerland fire disaster, which tragically claimed the lives of 50 individuals on 2nd August 1973, in Douglas, Isle of Man.

This event, one of the deadliest fire disasters in British history, has left lingering questions and unresolved grievances among the victims’ families and survivors. After decades of inquiry and calls for a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the fire, Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law, representing the affected families, seeks to reopen the case to ensure a comprehensive investigation and the application of modern legal and forensic standards to the events of that fateful day.

Grounds of the Application

The ground of the application include, but are not limited to:

1. There was insufficiency of inquiry an/or irregularity of proceedings in the original inquest. Despite the enormity of the disaster the substantive inquest proceedings concluded in just 1 day (27th August 1974) and its conclusions were largely limited to the medical cause of death. The original inquests did not comment upon, nor did they address, substantial issues which include the cause of the fire.
2. The related inquiries were inconclusive and did not remedy the deficiencies in the original inquests.
3. There is substantial fresh evidence which was not heard at the original inquest or commission which call into question the central conclusions. This includes:
   • The original Forensic Analysis is unreliable: The lead expert who led the forensic analysis in the Summerland Fire disaster has since been discredited in a number of high profile miscarriages of justice including: (i) The Birmingham 6, (ii) Judith Ward and (iii) The Guildford 4. As a result of the findings in each of these cases, the forensic analysis in this case cannot be relied upon and calls out for further investigation.
   • Evolution of Science: A number of experts have provided written support for a fresh investigation into the Summerland fire on the premise that there have been significant developments within the forensic science on how fires are investigated. These modern techniques provide for an entirely different landscape in terms of forensic science and an increased chance of establishing the truth. The experts point to the Stardust Fire which demonstrates the significance of the development of forensic techniques within the area of fire science (in which the cause of fire was established many years after the event).
4. There is manifest and widespread public disquiet which requires investigation. A key function of an inquest is to assuage rumour and suspicion.

For the above reasons, it is plain that a fresh inquest into the Summerland is desirable (to which is the test the Attorney General must apply).

It would indeed be undesirable to allow an incident of such magnitude remain without further investigation in circumstances in which the entirety of the original forensic analysis has now been called into question.

Statements from Phoenix Law

Darragh Mackin, Partner at Phoenix Law, stated:

“For years these families have raised concerns about the original investigation and inquest into the Summerland fire. Today’s application not only supports these concerns, but indeed, underscores them. It is difficult to envisage a more compelling set of circumstances to which point firmly in favour of a fresh investigation.

It has now been uncovered that the same Scientist who led the Summerland Fire analysis was the individual at the centre of some of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British history, including the Birmingham 6 and Judith Ward. His forensic techniques were later deemed ‘wrong, and demonstrably wrong’ and ‘valueless‘ when he was later criticised for his analysis in the Birmingham 6 and Judith Ward cases.

This revelation coupled with the evolution in forensic techniques make a clear and indisputable need for a fresh investigation.”

Note to Editors:

1. For interviews, further information, and access to the application and testimonies related to the Summerland disaster, please contact: media@phoenix-law.org
2. Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law act for the Justice for Summerland Campaign group.