Australian state orders inquest into deadly 1973 firebombing

The firebombing at a Brisbane nightclub killed 15 people

An Australian state government has ordered an inquest into a 1973 firebombing which was then the nation's worst mass murder.

Fifteen people died when two fuel drums were set alight in the foyer of Brisbane's Whiskey Au Go Go nightclub. Two men were jailed, but speculation that others were possibly involved has been fuelled this week by a separate murder case.


The Queensland coroner will re-examine the firebombing.

What happened at the time?

Ten men and five women died when flames engulfed the nightclub, trapping many victims between a stage and a fire escape. A coroner's inquest began immediately but lasted less than two days before the arrests of two men, James Finch and John Stuart.

Although maintaining innocence, the pair were convicted over the crime and jailed.

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