Chapter 1: 11th May, 1985

Saturday the 11th of May 1985 was supposed to be a day of celebration for the fans of Bradford City AFC. They’d just clinched the Division Three title and the last game of the season against Lincoln City was set to be a lap of honour.But as half time approached, faint wisps of smoke appeared from the Main Stand of Valley Parade. They quickly turned to visible orange flames. The carnival atmosphere quickly took a turn as the flames grew. In just over four minutes, the entire stand was ablaze. It’s estimated that temperatures reached 900 degrees celsius.While many fans survived by escaping onto the pitch, 56 didn’t. But despite it being one of the deadliest events in football history, the fire at Valley Parade has faded somewhat into obscurity.Investigative journalist, Mobeen Azhar, speaks to those who were at the ground that fateful day, to get a sense of the tragedy. From police officers, to the radio commentator, we hear the shocking details of one of the worst days in football history. 900 Degrees is a What's The Story original podcast series. What's The Story are the leaders in premium true-crime podcasts and audio story-telling.The whole series of 900 Degrees is available to listen to on What's The Story? Crime - your new home for compelling true crime content. On there you'll get all episodes of 900 Degrees ad-free, as well as access to the best true-crime series like Smoking Gun and The Missing, bonus episodes, early access and exclusive series you can't hear anywhere else.If you listen on Apple Podcasts, simply search for 'Crime Corner'. Or if you're on Spotify, or any other platform, just click HERE, and set up What's The Story? Crime on your chosen platform.What's The Story? Crime costs less than a cup of coffee, and helps ensure we can make more series like this one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Om Podcasten

On 11th May 1985, Bradford City FC were playing in the final match of the season. It was a day of celebration that saw 11,076 supporters at Bradford’s ground, Valley Parade, to see the club collect its first trophy for 56 years.But minutes before half time, smoke began rising from one of the stands. And within four minutes a fire engulfed one side of the ground, reaching a temperature of 900 degrees Celsius.56 men, women and children were killed and 265 were injured.It was one of the most deadly fires in British history. And an inquiry found it had all started because of a dropped cigarette - a tragic accident.But to some, there is an alternative ending. They believe that the fire was no accident. That the facts are more sinister, that the fire has links to organised crime, a cover up and even the British government.Now, British journalist, presenter and filmmaker Mobeen Azhar embarks on a journey to find out what really happened that day.In this compelling eight-part series created by What’s The Story Sounds, Mobeen goes back to his place of birth in West Yorkshire to speak to survivors of the Bradford City Fire, to police officers, to witnesses and to those involved in the inquiry.And he uncovers a remarkable new claim which forces him to question everything he thought he knew about the incident. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.