Fresh hopes for justice for families of the seven Luna Park Ghost Train fire victims as a coroner orders police to carry out a review of the evidence surrounding the blaze
- Seven people died during the horror Sydney Luna Park Ghost Train fire in 1979
- Initial investigations suggested it was electrical fault but cause is undetermined
- NSW coroner ordered police to conduct review into the evidence of fire’s cause
- There are allegations the blaze may have been linked to an underworld figure
The NSW coroner will consider a fresh inquest into a fatal fire at Sydney’s Luna Park in 1979 after allegations the blaze was linked to an underworld figure.
Seven people including six boys were killed in the blaze while riding the theme park’s ghost train.
Initial investigations pointed to an electrical fault and some subsequent inquiries proved non-conclusive.
On June 9, 1975 a fire on the Ghost Train ride at Luna Park in Sydney (pictured) killed seven people and changed the lives of a community forever
The Luna Park Ghost Train fire in June, 1979 claimed the lives of John Godson, and six children – Damien Godson, Craig Godson, Richard Carroll, Michael Johnson, Jonathan Billings and Seamus Rahilly
NSW Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan on Saturday confirmed she would consider whether a fresh inquest should be held.
‘The state coroner has received an application from a person with sufficient standing under … the Coroners Act to seek a fresh inquest into the Luna Park Ghost Train fire of 1979,’ her office said in a statement.
The application was received on Thursday.
‘The state coroner has made a formal request to NSW Police State Crime Command to conduct a review into all evidence concerning the cause and origin of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the deaths as a result of the fire,’ the statement continued.
Once reviewed, the coroner will make a decision on a further inquest.
The consideration of a fresh inquest follows an ABC TV investigation into the fire, alleging it was deliberately lit and police helped cover up the crime.
Footage from ABC’s investigative documentary series EXPOSED shows police at the scene of Luna Park moments after the blaze in 1979
Following the airing of the program, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said there was scope for the matter to be reviewed.
‘We’ve heard the plight of families and I can confirm that relevant parts of the NSW government are considering that,’ the premier said last week.
On the evening of June 9, 1979, John Godson and his two boys Damien, six, and Craig, four, plus mates Jonathan Billings, Richard Carroll, Michael Johnson, and Seamus Rahilly, aged 12 to 13, were killed in the fire.
There are allegations the fire may have been linked to Sydney underworld figure Abe Saffron (pictured), in a bid to secure prime waterfront property
The TV program alleged links between the fire and Sydney underworld figure Abe Saffron, in a bid to secure prime waterfront property.
Mr Saffron has since died.
In 2007 his niece Anne Buckingham claimed he was responsible for the fire and the NSW government at the time said it was open to the possibility of a fresh coronial investigation.
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