Latchford sisters recall 'horror' of Summerland Fire on anniversary

Valerie Daniels recalled the panic she felt as she saw the newsflash on TV showing the Summerland Fire back on August 2, 1973, knowing her mum, dad and sister were all inside the attraction.

“I remember seeing the fire on TV, it still grips me to this day,” she said.

“We didn’t have mobile phones then so it was not like I could call them to find out if they were safe. Me and my husband just had to wait to hear.”

This year will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the tragedy on Douglas Promenade, which saw 50 people die and 80 serious casualties after a blaze which was started from a discarded cigarette.

Pictured: Survivors of the Summerland fire, Mother and daughter, Tracey Brown (left), Amelia Brown (right) (Image: Supplied)

Valerie’s younger sister Tracey Brown was five at the time when she took a trip to their family’s favourite holiday spot with their mum and dad for the week – a place Harold and Amelia Brown always spoke fondly of before that unforgettable day.

Recalling the events that lead up to the inferno, Tracey said: “I remember the horror of that night really vividly.

“I was with mum and dad by the amusement arcade having a drink.

“I asked dad for pennies for the arcade, I went to my favourite machine but saw smoke coming from behind.

“I ran to my dad, he asked for an extinguisher but there was none. In a matter of minutes, the flames began to rise to the top of the arcade.

“Dad grabbed me and mum and we joined the crush to the doors. The fire spread across the ceiling above – it was terrifying.

“We managed to get through an open set of doors with the force of people pushing.”

Harold and Amelia Brown from Latchford had taken their daughter to the holiday destination for a summer break, unbeknown to them they would experience the horrifying disaster unfold (Image: Supplied)

The £2million attraction was first opened in May 1971. On the day of the fire, three boys were smoking cigarettes at a kiosk at the back of Summerland on the centre’s mini-golf course when a discarded cigarette ignited the flames.

Warrington friends Alan Barker, 20, from Fearnehead, and Sean Kelly,  21, from Woolston, died during the blaze after both working at the complex.

Survivor, Tracey, who suffered with night terrors for years after the incident, spoke of the chaos that ascended.

“Many doors were chained and padlocked. People were screaming, crying and panicking,” she said.

“Dad put me on his shoulders as we went down the slopes. People on fire were jumping from levels above and children were thrown by parents who were desperate to save them.”

“The smell was horrendous. I am lucky to be here to tell this, a lot of others didn't make it or were badly Injured.”

Survivor, Tracey Brown suffered with night terrors for years after the Summerland disaster (Image: Supplied)

The Isle of Man Government invited survivors and families of victims to the memorial service and other events put on to honour the anniversary on the island.

Valerie attended the service this weekend for her mum and dad, who have both sadly passed, and for Tracey, who could not face returning to the site of the tragedy.

“My dad said he had never seen fire spread so quickly. We were the lucky ones, I could of lost all three of them,” Valerie said.

Tracey added: “There is a lot of us who bear the mental scars which never fade. I have a wonderful husband and two stunning daughters and two grandchildren who I am very grateful for.”