Chapter 5: A Dropped Cigarette?

*THIS EPISODE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO SUBSCRIBERSPLASE SIGN UP TO WHAT'S THE STORY? CRIME FOR ACCESSThe inquiry which examined the Bradford City Stadium Fire didn't name anybody as being responsible for starting the blaze. But it did find that the fire was started accidentally - likely via a dropped cigarette.But how strong was the evidence? And did the investigation look into any of Stafford Heginbotham's previous fires?Mobeen investigates the testimony from fans who were sitting right where the fire started. And we hear from a fire investigator who has some lingering questions about the inquiry’s conclusions.But in 2015, a retired police detective went on TV and told the watching public that he found the man who admitted dropping the cigarette that started the fire. Case closed? Well - not quite. Mobeen uncovers some startling gaps and counter-claims which question this version of events. And he unpacks a paradox, where not everyone can be telling the truth.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.