Sparks fell from the ceiling of the Stardust venue weeks before the devastating 1981 fire claimed the lives of 48 people.

A witness told a jury that it was like something from "a disaster movie," according to the Irish Mirror. The man was a member of an Elvis tribute band that played at the venue a week before the blaze broke out. Patrick O'Driscoll saw a "shower of sparks" fall from the ceiling backstage. He explained to the jury that he thought it was just a "power surge" at the time. He added, "It was just a shower. If you were passing a building site and saw a welder and he was welding, that kind of shower. "Or maybe watching a disaster movie, something like that," he added. Another witness also confirmed she saw sparks during a concert at the Stardust venue in January 1981. An inquest into the 1981 Stardust fire is underway at Dublin District Coroner’s Court in the Pillar Room of the Rotunda Hospital. The families of the 48 victims have campaigned tirelessly for justice since the harrowing 1981 fire. The inquests for the 48 victims of the Stardust fire began in April 2023. The victims' loved ones hope the inquest will finally give them an answer after all these years. Reports originally claimed the fire was started by arson, however, many believe that this cause was only given to exonerate the owners of the nightclub of any responsibility.

READ MORE

'Ready to fight'- Strictly's Amy Dowden gives update following breast cancer diagnosis

Love Island fans are convinced they already know who is going to win

ITV says Schofield will be replaced 'in due course' as This Morning fans call for Craig Doyle to stay

All you need to know about making the switch to more eco-friendly period products