On the TV news we saw Caroline carried out in the arms of a fireman.... but it was too late

Woman tells jury how family learned pregnant sister died in 1981 disaster

- RYAN DUNNE

A WOMAN whose sister died in the Stardust fire told an inquest yesterday her family discovered she had died on the TV news. 

Maria Carey was giving evidence at Dublin Coroner’s Court into the blaze which killed 48 people, including 17-year-old Caroline, in February 1981.

Ms Carey recalled she was woken by a knock on the door in the early hours of February 14 and assumed it was Caroline.

She told the hearing: “She left our house on the night of February 13.

“She was in great form and looking forward to a night of dancing and socialising. That was the last time we saw Caroline alive.

“It was her friend to tell us about the fire. The hours that followed brought shock, horror and hysterics, going to every hospital searching for Caroline and leaving her details.

“While watching news reports on TV, we saw Caroline being carried out in the arms of a fireman.

“He placed her down and tried to resuscitate her, but it was too late.