Diamond Geezer
Gone But Not Forgotten
- Joined
- May 2, 2003
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The antiquated stand at Valley Parade, Bradford caught fire and eventually claimed the lives of 56 supporters and about 265 were injured. It was the worst fire disaster in the history of British football history.
The death toll might have been higher had it not been for the courage of police officers and 22 spectators later presented with bravery awards.
The cause of the fire is thought to have been the accidental dropping of a match or a cigarette stubbed out in a polystyrene cup and the resulting fire was fuelled by rubbish underneath the wooden stand.
An inquiry chaired by Sir Oliver Popplewell published its final report in 1986. Its recommendations resulted in new legislation governing safety at sports grounds across the UK.
A Bradford Disaster Appeal Fund raised £3.5m for the victims and their families.
On Saturday 11 May 2002, the 17th anniversary of the disaster, a memorial with the names of those who lost their lives was dedicated at the new entrance to the redeveloped Sunwin stand.
The death toll might have been higher had it not been for the courage of police officers and 22 spectators later presented with bravery awards.
The cause of the fire is thought to have been the accidental dropping of a match or a cigarette stubbed out in a polystyrene cup and the resulting fire was fuelled by rubbish underneath the wooden stand.
An inquiry chaired by Sir Oliver Popplewell published its final report in 1986. Its recommendations resulted in new legislation governing safety at sports grounds across the UK.
A Bradford Disaster Appeal Fund raised £3.5m for the victims and their families.
On Saturday 11 May 2002, the 17th anniversary of the disaster, a memorial with the names of those who lost their lives was dedicated at the new entrance to the redeveloped Sunwin stand.