Chief Minister: 'I'm sorry for Summerland failings'

Cannan says government will ‘acknowledge inadequacies’ ahead of 50-year anniversary

The chief minister has apologised for the failings that led to the Summerland fire almost 50 years ago.

Alfred Cannan has told Tynwald today (18 July) that his government will be the one to ‘acknowledge the inadequacies’ that contributed to the deaths of 50 people in 1973.

The Isle of Man will mark the anniversary of its worst peacetime tragedy – and loss of life - on 2 August.

Mr Cannan said he hopes the apology he has penned will go some way to addressing the ‘suffering caused by the wrongs of the past’ and help to restore trust.

Fifty people died in the blaze at the entertainment complex on Douglas Promenade with many more injured.

A Commission of Inquiry, in October 1973, identified that there was a ‘delayed, unorganised and difficult evacuation’ as well as faults in the design and construction of the building – in particular the use of materials that could not, and did not, prevent the spread of the fire.

Mr Cannan said his thoughts are also with those who survived and those who are bereaved – both groups who, he says, are left ‘carrying a lifetime’s burden of hurt and suffering’.

“I have heard, first-hand, how those affected endure ongoing physical and mental pain caused by the events of that night.

“I am aware that feelings of loss and anger caused by what happened half a century ago often do not fade or diminish as the years pass.

“The images of the inferno are not something one can easily forget. They are part of our national consciousness. They are deeply ingrained in our culture, our community, and it is vital that we acknowledge and remember that.”

“Words will not bring your loved ones back – or relieve the associated pain and heartache – but collectively we share your sorrow.” - Chief Minister Alfred Cannan

Survivors, relatives of victims and those bereaved by the tragedy have been invited to a national service of remembrance on Sunday, 30 July.

Islanders who were drawn into the tragedy by their jobs and ‘unwavering sense of duty’ will also be formally recognised at a separate ceremony the following day.

A book of remembrance has also been commissioned which will be located at St George’s Church.

You can listen to the chief minister's Tynwald speech here: