1979 Sydney Ghost Train fire

rdf:langString 1979 Sydney Ghost Train fire

rdf:langString Memorial plaque at Luna Park Sydney in remembrance of those who died in the fire

rdf:langString Cause disputed:

rdf:langString Milsons Point, New South Wales, Australia

rdf:langString Fire

rdf:langString The Sydney Ghost Train fire at Luna Park Sydney in Milsons Point, New South Wales, Australia, killed seven people, six children and one adult, on 9 June 1979. Inadequate fire-fighting measures and low staffing caused the fire to completely destroy the amusement park's ghost train. The ride is believed to have been first constructed in 1931 and transported between Milsons Point and Glenelg, South Australia, during 1934 and 1935. The fire was originally blamed on electrical faults, but arson by known figures has also been claimed. The exact cause of the fire could not be determined by a coronial inquiry. The coroner also ruled that, while the actions of Luna Park's management and staff before and during the fire (in particular their choosing not to follow advice on the installation of a sprinkler system in the ride) breached their duty of care, charges of criminal negligence should not be laid. The case was reopened in 1987: no new findings were made, although the police investigation and coronial inquiry were criticised. The fire forced the closure of Luna Park until 1982, when it reopened under a new name and new owners. A memorial garden was installed by Luna Park in 1995, but its fixtures were lost during the park's 2003 redevelopment. In replacement, a plaque listing those killed was placed at the location of the ride, but a promised mural to surround the plaque was never painted. A separate memorial park was created by North Sydney Council in 2007, including a sculpture by Michael Leunig.