A WOMAN who witnessed a fire which killed 50 people, including two from Warrington, is seeking fresh inquests.
Tina Brennan stood at the top of a cliff on the Isle of Man overlooking the Summerland leisure complex as a huge blaze engulfed the building.
The images of what she witnessed that day almost 51 years ago are as clear today as they were in 1973.
Alan Barker, from Fearnhead, and Sean Kelly, from Woolston, were among those killed in what is one of the most disturbing fire disasters in British history
Alan, who was eight days away from his 21st birthday, and Sean, aged 21, were both working at the complex at the time.
On the evening of August 2 1973, a fire broke out in a kiosk on the crazy golf course outside the complex.
Within 30 minutes, the fire had ripped its way through Summerland, a blaze which Ms Brennan described as a ‘tsunami of fire’.
The thousands of holidaymakers inside the building had been enjoying their summer break, making use of the five floors of amusement arcades, dance halls, a bingo hall as well as restaurants and bars.
The fire quickly spread through the glass structure that covered the entire building.
It later emerged that flammable Galbestos cladding was known to be a safety risk but was allowed to be used in the construction of what was then a ‘state-of-the-art’ complex.
The Justice For Summerland Campaign Group said no-one has been held accountable for the fire.
The group has brought in Belfast solicitor Darragh Mackin, one of the solicitors involved in overturning the inquest verdict in the landmark Stardust fire case in Dublin this year, to help overturn the Summerland verdicts.
Earlier this year, Mr Mackin wrote to the island's Attorney General about the campaigners' efforts to seek a fresh inquest and overturn the death by misadventure verdict on all 50 victims.
"This fire was down to the Isle of Man government who didn't have proper fire safety regulations in place. They weren't robust enough. It went back to the Victorian era," Ms Brennan said.
"It was the structure of the building as well. It was like a perfect storm. It was always going to happen."
She described the verdict as "perverse", adding that it implies the victims died of their own volition.
It was 25 years after the fire that Douglas Borough Council commemorated the disaster by placing a small memorial stone in a nearby public garden.
The families and survivors were insulted by the small memorial, and on the 40th anniversary the council erected a larger memorial, which also sits in the Kaye Gardens.
However, the site which was the home of Summerland remains derelict, with no indications of its significant history. The site has been for sale since 2008.
Ms Brennan wants a large memorial placed at the derelict site, one that reflects the tragedy of 50 deaths.
She is hopeful that a new inquest will be granted by the Isle of Man Government.
"One word, justice. It'll mean justice for them. It might be 51 years in the waiting, but it will be some measure of justice," Ms Brennan added.
A spokeswoman for the Isle of Man Government said: "The Summerland fire leaves a lasting legacy on the Isle of Man's recent history.
"Last year's 50th anniversary was marked by services and events hosted by the Isle of Man Government and others which served to both remember the 50 people who died and acknowledge the enduring effects on survivors, the bereaved and those who responded to the tragedy on August 2 1973.
"The Isle of Man Government continues to welcome engagement with survivors and victims' families, some of whom travelled to the island to be part of last year's commemorations."
Speaking in Tynwald ahead of the anniversary, the Chief Minister Alfred Cannan apologised to all those affected and directly addressed the Commission of Inquiry's findings, including the inadequacies, failings and lapses which, had matters been addressed differently, may have prevented some loss of life.
"It would be inappropriate for the Isle of Man Government to comment on the recent call for the inquest to be reopened while the matter is under consideration by the Attorney General."
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