The Attorney General has declined an application to hold fresh inquests into the deaths of those who perished in the Summerland fire.
Fifty people died in the blaze on August 2 1973.
In a detailed letter addressed to Phoenix Law, representing the Justice for Summerland group, Attorney General Walter Wannenburgh KC stated that he could not conclude fresh inquests were “desirable” under the Coroners of Inquests Act 1987.
The group, which includes bereaved relatives of some of the victims, had argued that the original 1974 inquests were “ineffective and perfunctory” and that there had “never been an effective investigation into the fire”.
Impact
The Attorney General acknowledged the tragedy’s profound impact, stating: “The Summerland fire was a terrible tragedy for the people of this island and beyond and which resonates to this day.
“Fifty innocent people tragically lost their lives as a result of the blaze, and far more suffered serious physical and psychological injuries.”
However, Mr Wannenburgh emphasised that his decision was based on legal principles, including whether fresh evidence had emerged or if the original inquests were insufficient.
He noted that the 1974 inquests followed a comprehensive public inquiry, the Summerland Fire Commission, which heard from over 90 witnesses across 49 sitting days.
The inquiry identified numerous failings in design, construction, and safety oversight.
Evidence
Addressing claims of new evidence, the Mr Wannenburgh said: “Your client has not presented any fresh evidence that reveals any relevant or material errors or misunderstanding in the detailed findings of the Summerland Commission Report.”
He dismissed speculation about potential new insights as “conjecture.”
The Justice for Summerland group had also criticised the original inquest verdicts of “misadventure,” calling them “offensive.”
The Attorney General clarified that the term does not imply blame on the deceased, stating:
“A finding of misadventure does not at all place any blame for their death upon the deceased.”
While recognising the bereaved families’ wishes, he concluded: “Taking all of the circumstances into account, and considering the breadth and depth of the investigation which was conducted at the time, I cannot conclude that it is desirable to now conduct fresh inquests.”
Mr Wannenburgh added: “I am sorry not to be able to communicate more welcome news.”
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