Summerland 1973

Summerland Fire 1973

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Movie
• 0008

[ManxyBoy1]

My aunt was in this fire. She helped 2 children out and my grandad was running along the prom in his slippers not knowing if she was alright. I wasn't born but it looks horrific.

[atlast1948]

I was on holiday in Isle of Man the week before fire. We went into Summerland to see what it was like. You went in through a turnstile, We sat in the cafe & I noticed huge lampshades covered in dust - this is a fire hazard. Later we watched rollerskating & I noticed the fire exits were fastened with chains, more than a fire hazard. I felt odd in there. Came out after queueing to exit through OUT turnstile. The place burnt down the week after, Whoever chained those doors should rot in hell.

[242louise]

my nan was in this fire luckily her and her sister survived by jumping out of a window an a guy dragged them to safety she was badly burnt tho and had to have many skin grafts she lived the the age of 86

[hanlmc33]

my dad built this complex and sadly watched it burn down :(

[ozbossfitness]

My mother was working behind the bar when this happened. She was labelled 'a heroine' as she lead a big group of people out to safety as the doors were chained (with her skirt raised over her head to prevent smoke inhalation) her boss went back in to get more people, but unfortunately didn't make it back out. Very sad day. I was 11 months old and so very nearly motherless. This incident haunted my mum till the day she died late '09. She was a trooper for sure. (god rest her soul)

[knutfheifer]

@kjammo66 my god this haunts me, that must have been terrible for you and to this day, I went to the isle of man when I was 4 at first in 1977 and was never aware of this,oh my god!

[littlesummermage]

I was on holiday there as well, I was 19 and on holiday with my mother. We had decided to go on a coach trip that day but we had intended to visit Summerland, and we changed our minds at the last minute! We had no way of contacting my father who was at home, to let him know we were ok. I remember seeing the fire from our hotel balcony in tears for all those people who had not made it out. It does haunt you, you can never forget it!

[shamraig]

@garethmurtagh No. They were never identified. A Public Enquiry resulted in a verdict o misadventure.

[richd54]

First time I went into Summerland was as a police officer during the fire. I was with the Fire Brigade at the rear inside the building. It was so hot, the water from the hoses was turning to steam around our feet - they had breathing apparatus on. I didn't and had to get out before I too was overcome by smoke. 50 people died in that fire - not something I am likely to forget.....

[wheelsofwonder]

They were, but as they had not intended to start a large fire, they were only charged with damage to the kiosk that they broke in to at the start of the fire.