Summerland 50: Chief Minister apologises for the pain and suffering

Tue, 18 Jul 2023

Chief Minister Alfred Cannan MHK today apologised on behalf of the Isle of Man Government for ‘the pain and suffering felt by everyone affected' by the Summerland fire ahead of the 50th anniversary of the disaster on Wednesday 2 August.

Delivering a statement to Members at the July sitting of Tynwald, the Chief Minister said: ‘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.’

Referring to the Commission of Inquiry, set up in October 1973 to investigate the causes of and response to the fire, the Chief Minister said: ‘It is clear, Mr President, that there were inadequacies, failings and lapses identified by the Commission, and that had matters been addressed differently, some of the loss of life at Summerland may have been prevented. 

‘The causes and contributing factors are individually serious. Collectively they resulted in a tragedy.

‘I am sorry. Sorry for the pain and suffering felt by everyone affected by the fire and sorry for the failings that could have prevented such a tragedy.’

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