1979 Sydney Ghost Train fire
The Sydney Ghost Train fire at Luna Park Sydney in Milsons Point, New South Wales, Australia, killed seven people (six children and one adult), on 9 June 1979. Inadequate fire-fighting measures and low staffing caused the fire to completely destroy the amusement park's ghost train. The ride is believed to have been first constructed in 1931 and transported between Milsons Point and Glenelg, South Australia, during 1934 and 1935.[1]
Memorial plaque at Luna Park Sydney in remembrance of those who died in the fire | |
| Date | 9 June 1979 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Luna Park Sydney |
| Location | Milsons Point, New South Wales, Australia |
| Coordinates | 33°50′54″S 151°12′35″E / 33.848343°S 151.209756°E |
| Type | Fire |
| Cause | Cause disputed:
|
| Casualties | |
| 7 killed | |
The fire was originally blamed on electrical faults, but arson by known figures has also been claimed. The exact cause of the fire could not be determined by a coronial inquiry. The coroner also ruled that, while the actions of Luna Park's management and staff before and during the fire (in particular their choosing not to follow advice on the installation of a fire sprinkler system in the ride) breached their duty of care, charges of criminal negligence should not be laid. The case was reopened in 1987: no new findings were made, although the police investigation and coronial inquiry were criticised.
A memorial garden was installed by Luna Park in 1995, but its fixtures were lost during the park's 2003 redevelopment. In replacement, a plaque listing those killed was placed at the location of the ride, but a promised mural to surround the plaque was never painted. A separate memorial park was created by North Sydney Council in 2007, including a sculpture by Michael Leunig.
Ride edit
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Luna Park Sydney's Ghost Train was a ghost train-style amusement ride. Designed and constructed in 1931 at Luna Park Glenelg, the ride was transported to Milsons Point, New South Wales, along with all the other rides and reassembled prior to Luna Park Sydney's first opening in October 1935.
The ride was one of the most popular in the park and featured many twists and turns that yanked passengers along a 180-metre electric track, with cobwebs hanging and scary figures leaping out at riders. The ride featured a fake fireplace, which according to riders of the night it burned down, was where the destructive fire originated. This fireplace was found immediately after an outdoor caged area of the track, which riders would traverse before re-entering the building.
The ride was lined with exhibits meant to scare riders, such as dancing skeletons, an ape monster, a dragon's head, the graveyard Dracula, and a skeleton in a box. The ride's soundtrack said, "there are lots of ghosts in here, you'll shiver and quake in the Ghost Train"! Most of the 2 min 30-sec ride was pitch black, something which helped conceal the ride's age.
Architectural plans and drawings of rides and buildings at Luna Park Sydney are held at the State Library of New South Wales, including the Ghost Train ride. The plans and drawings include some from Luna Park Glenelg (Glenelg, South Australia) and Luna Park Melbourne (St Kilda, Victoria).[2]
Fire edit
On the night of 9 June 1979, a fire broke out inside the Luna Park Ghost Train at approximately 10:15 pm. Due to a combination of low water pressure, under-staffing within the park, and inadequate coverage of the Ghost Train by the park's fire hose system, the fire was able to completely consume the ride.[3][4] It took an hour to bring the fire under control, but it was extinguished before any significant damage could be done to the adjacent River Caves and Big Dipper.[4][5]
Around thirty-five people were believed to have been on the ride when thick smoke began to escape from the tunnel doors.[5] Ride staff raised the alarm and began to pull people from the ride as their cars exited the tunnel.[5] It was initially thought that everybody had escaped the fire, but in the following hours, the bodies of seven people were found inside the ride: John Godson and his two children, Damien and Craig, and four Waverley College students; Jonathan Billings, Richard Carroll, Michael Johnson, and Seamus Rahilly.[4][5] At the time of the fire, investigating police speculated that the seven had climbed out of their cars and unsuccessfully tried to find their way out of the tunnel; had they stayed in the cars, they might have survived.[5] Other evacuated passengers reported seeing empty cars exit the tunnel on fire. When asked individually what chance the victims had of survival, each put it at "zero".[6]
Investigation edit
Luna Park was shut down immediately after the incident for a federal investigation.[3][5] An inquest was held in the Coroner's Court of New South Wales from 13 to 29 August 1979 in the Sydney suburb of Glebe before coroner Kevin Sidney Anderson.[7] Anderson issued his findings on 3 September 1979.[7] He found that "[T]he cause of the fire cannot conclusively be stated", and accepted expert testimony that the ride's permanent wiring and attractions were unlikely to be the source of ignition – but could not be completely excluded.[7] Having heard from witnesses that ride patrons often ignored no smoking signs and "had the habit of discarding food wrapping and other litter", Anderson stated that while "[t]he most probable cause of the fire was ignition of flammable litter by a cigarette or match... discarded by a person riding on the train", he reiterated that "how the fire was ignited, the evidence adduced does not allow me to say".[7]
Anderson's inquiry examined issues beyond the source of ignition. He found that Luna Park's management had failed to develop an adequate fire suppression program despite recommendations by North Sydney Council and the fire department eighteen months earlier.[3] Anderson's report stated that while the park's owners and management had failed in their duty of care towards patrons, the failure was not "that high degree of negligence necessary to support a charge of criminal negligence".[8] The Government of New South Wales called for new tenders to operate the park on 31 July 1979.[9]
Before the fire, a Sydney design consultant stated that he had advised Luna Park management to install a sprinkler system in the Ghost Train in December 1977, following an inspection of the park for potential renovations.[5] The recommendation was not followed.[3][5]
In 1987, a government inquiry by the National Crime Authority reopened an investigation into the fire.[10] No new evidence was presented, but it was found that the police investigation into the incident had been inadequate, and the coronial inquiry ineffective.[10]
Despite claims ranging from faulty wiring to sabotage in an attempt to have the park closed down and demolished, the cause of the fire has never been established.[10]
Links to Abe Saffron edit
In May 2007, Anne Buckingham, a niece of Sydney underworld figure Abe Saffron, claimed in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald that her uncle was responsible for the fire.[11] Saffron had been associated with seven other arson attacks in the two years following the Ghost Train fire, although he had repeatedly denied involvement with the Ghost Train fire.[4][11] Buckingham claimed the attack was part of a plan for Saffron to gain control of Luna Park's lease, although she stated her belief that the seven deaths were not intended.[11]
Former park artist Martin Sharp claimed that Saffron had approached Luna Park's owner, Ted Hopkins, several years before the fire, offering to buy the park.[4] In 1985, it was claimed by NSW MP Michael John Hatton that Saffron had beneficial ownership of the park, resulting in an inquiry which concluded that although people related to Saffron were involved in supplying pinball and arcade games to Luna Park, Saffron himself was not linked to the ownership of the park.[4]
Buckingham later denied she made the comments attributed to her and demanded the story not be published, although the Herald claims her original statements were recorded on tape during a face-to-face interview.[11] The NSW Attorney General has stated the coronial inquiry could be reopened, but that it would require the submission of new evidence to the police.[12]
Memorials edit
A memorial was dedicated in 1995 to the seven victims of the 1979 fire, with a tree planted next to an antique bench decorated with the names of the victims.[13] During the 2003 redevelopment, the tree was removed and the bench lost.[13] Park director Warwick Doughty claimed that the memorial and events had little relevance, although North Sydney mayor Genia McCaffery, among others, disagreed and campaigned for the memorial's reinstatement.[13] In 2004, a plaque listing the names of the victims was placed on an external wall of the Big Top Sydney, which was constructed on the site of the Ghost Train.[14][15] The plaque was to be the centrepiece of a mural painted by Sharp,[15] but this has never been painted.
A memorial park was opened at Lavender Bay by North Sydney Council on 25 August 2007.[16] The Art Barton Park, named after former Park Artist Arthur Barton, includes a bronze sculpture designed by Michael Leunig dedicated to the victims.[16]
The Chapel at Waverley College features a plaque memorializing its four students who perished in the fire, with the photo and name of each boy.
Exposed: The Ghost Train Fire edit
In March 2021, Australia's national broadcaster, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), screened a three-part investigative series by journalist Caro Meldrum-Hanna, Exposed: The Ghost Train Fire.[17][18] The series investigated potential – but unconfirmed – evidence around the fire and the personalities involved, and interviewed surviving family of the fire's victims, along with many judicial figures and police investigators of the time, and some former park staff. Witnesses were interviewed, including three who rode the Ghost Train just minutes earlier. These first witnesses believed the artificial fire display (using coloured lights and a fan to make flapping strips of material look like flames) seemed to include actual flames, but did not immediately recognize the severity of the threat and thus did not notify ride operators when they disembarked. Other witnesses who entered the Ghost Train soon after the first batch, smelled smoke straightaway and saw an uncontained fire spreading rapidly within the narrow confines of the ride. The latter witnesses frantically tried to warn one of the ride operators to stop any further cars from entering the ride just as he was permitting the final few cars to proceed into the ride, joining others that were already inside.
The program also brought to light much of pop artist Martin Sharp's personal collection of files and taped interviews gathered during his own investigation of the incident over the years. In a 2010 discussion of his artwork for the park’s restoration in the early 1970s, Sharp revealed that the fire and the circumstances surrounding it had exerted a profound effect on his spiritual outlook.[19]
The television investigation concluded that a web of criminality connecting Saffron, former NSW Premier Neville Wran, former High Court Justice Lionel Murphy and organised crime boss Jack Rooklyn was behind the incident, with Saffron allegedly ordering the setting of the fire by an outlaw motorcycle club so he could gain control of the lease on the crown land (public land protected by the government of New South Wales ) on which Luna Park stood. The unproven "fresh claims of foul play and a cover-up" in the television program led to a call by Jodi McKay, then-leader of the NSW official opposition, for the government to instigate a new coronial inquiry or Royal Commission into the case.[20]
There was strident criticism of the programme's allegations against the late premier Wran by former premiers Carr and Unsworth, former prime minister Turnbull, former ABC managing director David Hill, and former editor Milton Cockburn and journalist Troy Bramston of the Sydney Morning Herald. [21]
This resulted in the ABC Board establishing an enquiry into the programme by professor Rodney Tiffin and journalist Chris Masters which criticised the overstatement as to the strength of the programme’s allegations against Wran, whilst concluding that overall "the program makers uncovered much suspicious evidence around arson being the cause of the fire, exposed the incompetence of the police investigation, reported on the inadequacies of earlier investigations, revealed the way policy making by the NSW government benefited Saffron, and the corrupt circle of influence around Saffron. They mounted a compelling case for a new investigation." [22]
Subsequent Investigations edit
In April 2021, following the release of Exposed: The Ghost Train Fire and the subsequent public outcry, New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said that "relevant agencies in NSW are considering [a fresh inquest]".[23] At the request of New South Wales state coroner Teresa O’Sullivan, [24] the NSW Police Force reopened their investigation and its homicide division established Strike Force Sedgeman to conduct the review. A reward of AUD $1 million for 'fresh and significant information' has been offered to encourage witnesses to come forward. As of November 11, 2023, the reward is still active.[25]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ "Our History | Luna Park Sydney". www.lunaparksydney.com. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
- ^ "Series 01: Architectural plans and drawings of rides and buildings at Luna Park (North Sydney, New South Wales), Luna Park (St Kilda, Victoria) and Luna Park (Glenelg, South Australia); and plans of buildings and rides at Royal Agricultural Society Showground, Moore Park, New South Wales, ca. 1926-1979 / Call Number PXD 1086". State Library of New South Wales Catalogue. from the original on 5 June 2021. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
- ^ a b c d Marshall, Sam (2005). Luna Park - Just for fun (2nd ed.). Sydney, Australia: Luna Park Sydney Pty Ltd. p. 110. ISBN 0-646-44807-2.
- ^ a b c d e f McClymont, Kate (26 May 2007). "Haunting questions won't go away". Sydney Morning Herald. p. 13. Retrieved 7 June 2007. - Note that the online version differs from print article; different title (Haunting questions linger) and first three paragraphs missing.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Birnbauer, Bill (11 July 1979). "Seven die at fun fair: Electrical fault suspected in ghost train fire". The Age. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
- ^ "Seven die at fun fair: Suddenly fire and smoke make the mock horror real". The Age. 11 June 1979. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
- ^ a b c d Anderson, Kevin Sidney (Coroner) (3 September 1979). Luna Park Fire Inquiry Before Coroner Sitting Alone (PDF) (Report). Coroner's Court of New South Wales. (PDF) from the original on 22 March 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ^ Marshall, Sam (2005). Luna Park - Just for fun (2nd ed.). Sydney, Australia: Luna Park Sydney Pty Ltd. pp. 110–111. ISBN 0-646-44807-2.
- ^ Marshall, Sam (2005). Luna Park - Just for fun (2nd ed.). Sydney, Australia: Luna Park Sydney Pty Ltd. p. 111. ISBN 0-646-44807-2.
- ^ a b c Gregory J. Read (director) (1996). Spirits of the Carnival - The Quest for Fun (Documentary, Videotape). Sydney: Paper Bark Films (production), Total Film & Television (distribution). Scene occurring 42:00 to 43:30
- ^ a b c d McClymont, Kate (26 May 2007). "Niece links Abe Saffron to Luna Park deaths". The Sydney Morning Herald. pp. 1, 13. Retrieved 7 June 2007.
- ^ Australian Associated Press (31 May 2007). . News.com.au. Archived from the original on 16 April 2008. Retrieved 7 December 2015.
- ^ a b c Nicholls, Sean (13 July 2003). "Ghost Train memorial tree haunts developers". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 7 June 2007.
- ^ Marshall, Sam (2005). Luna Park - Just for fun (2nd ed.). Sydney, Australia: Luna Park Sydney Pty Ltd. p. 152. ISBN 0-646-44807-2.
- ^ a b Nicholls, Sean (29 March 2004). "Tragic day at fun park recalled". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 7 June 2007.
- ^ a b Khoury, Andre (29 August 2007). "Memorial honours for victims". Mosman Daily. Cumberland Newspapers. Retrieved 9 September 2007.
- ^ EXPOSED: The Ghost Train Fire. March 2021.
- ^ "Former NSW police officers claim Sydney underworld figure Abe Saffron orchestrated the Luna Park Ghost Train fire". www.abc.net.au. 30 March 2021.
- ^ Rachael Kohn, Martin Sharp (7 March 2010). The Spiritual Vision of Martin Sharp (Audio and Transcript). Radio National. The Spirit of Things. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. from the original on 27 February 2021. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
- ^ Meldrum-Hanna, Caro; Begley, Patrick; Balendra, Jaya; Karagic, Dunja (31 March 2021) [30 March 2021]. "'Deeply disturbed': NSW Opposition leader calls for new inquiry into the deadly Luna Park Ghost Train fire". ABC News. from the original on 13 October 2023.
- ^ Milton Cockburn and Troy Bramston. The ABC's Luna Park Fire Conspiracy Beatup, Sydney Institute 20 August 2021.
- ^ Tiffen, Rodney; Masters, Chris (August 2021). ABC Editorial Review 25 | Exposed: The Ghost Train Fire (PDF) (Report). (PDF) from the original on 10 September 2023.
- ^ "NSW Premier 'considering' new inquest into Luna Park Ghost Train fire that killed seven people". ABC News. 8 April 2021. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ Coade, Melissa (12 April 2021). "NSW coroner officially requests review of historic Luna Park fire". The Mandarin. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ "Luna Park Fire - NSW Police Public Site". www.police.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 17 November 2023.