The island’s Attorney General would consider whether to order a fresh Summerland inquest if a formal request is received.
Chief Minister Alf Cannan informed members of the possibility during this morning’s Keys sitting.
Asked by Joney Faragher (Douglas East) whether consideration is being given to seeking a new inquest, Mr Canann said that the Coroner of Inquests Act allows the Attorney General, Walter Wannenburgh, to direct the coroner to hold an inquest.
This can happen even where there has previously been an inquest held.
Mr Cannan said: “I can confirm that on the 20th of May 2024 the Attorney General received a letter from a law firm confirming that they have been instructed on behalf of a number of victims who had lost loved ones in the Summerland Fire of 1973.
“Within that letter, it was stated that we intend to make a substantive application pursuant to section 6 1c of the Coroner of Inquest Act 1987 In the coming weeks.
“The attorney general, has confirmed to me that today he has not received an application to hold a new inquest into the Summerland fire. Mr. Attorney would, of course give his full consideration to such a request at the time should one be received.”
Fifty people died in the fire which with their deaths being recoded as being caused by “misadventure”.
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