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Deadly Club Fire Exposes Shocking Safety Lapses
13 Nov
Summary
- Two men died from smoke inhalation in 2019 club fire
- Owners convicted for breaching fire safety measures
- Coroner cites locked door, evacuation issues as contributing factors
A fatal club fire in Morecambe, which claimed the lives of two men in October 2019, has been linked to a series of safety failures, an inquest has found.
John McCartney, 60, and Philip "Tony" Townsend, 70, died from smoke inhalation during the blaze at the Gordon Working Men's Club. The coroner's investigation has now revealed that a locked security door and deficiencies in the club's evacuation measures and heating system checks all contributed to the tragic outcome.
In January 2023, the mother and son who ran the club, Heather Goffin and Callum Goffin, were convicted after pleading guilty to breaching a number of fire safety regulations. Senior coroner Christopher Long stated that these safety failings at the club were directly responsible for the men's deaths.
The inquest has shed light on the catastrophic events that unfolded that fateful night, underscoring the critical importance of robust fire safety protocols in public establishments. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability when it comes to safeguarding the lives of patrons.
