BRADFORD — 1985 · Major Tragedy
Valley Parade Stadium Fire
On 11 May 1985, during the last match of the season between Bradford City and Lincoln City, fire broke out in the wooden main stand at Valley Parade. A cigarette that fell through the floorboards was found to have ignited rubbish that had accumulated underneath for years. Because of the timber roof covered in bituminous felt, the fire engulfed the entire stand in under four minutes, and some locked exits hampered escape. Fifty-six spectators died and at least 265 were injured. Following the inquiry led by Judge Oliver Popplewell, new wooden grandstands were banned and fire safety rules at British grounds were fundamentally tightened.
- Date
- 1985
- Place
- West Yorkshire, England, Bradford, UK
- Category
- Major Tragedy
- Case Status
- Closed
- Coordinates
- 53.8045, -1.7590 ↗
Timeline of Events
- 11 May 1985Fire started in the wooden stand during the first half; 56 people died.
- 1985The Popplewell inquiry examined ground safety.
- 1986Following the report, new wooden stands were banned and fire precautions tightened.
- Every 11 MayA memorial service for the victims is held in Bradford.
Sources
- Wikipedia — Bradford City stadium fire en.wikipedia.org ↗
- Bradford City AFC — Valley Parade fire disaster bradfordcityafc.com ↗
- Wikipedia
- Bradford City AFC
Source grade A: several independent sources, at least one an official record or reference work. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.