On 11th May 1985, Bradford City FC were playing Lincoln City in the final game 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.

Minutes before half time, smoke began rising and within four minutes the fire engulfed the entire stand, 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 which, after a five day inquiry which blamed a dropped cigarette, was widely regarded as a tragic accident. But is that the whole truth? Journalist Mobeen Azhar investigates.

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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.

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Chapter 2 - The Inquiry

As the Sunday papers went to press, the British public wanted answers. How could a fire so tragic have happened? Why were so many lives needlessly lost?

The locals of Bradford and the victims’ families were especially keen to know, as rumours were now circulating.

Mobeen speaks to those who followed the aftermath of the fire closely as he seeks to understand how those in authority reacted to the devastating events.

Shortly after the fire, Margaret Thatcher’s Government established an inquiry. It would be led by the High Court judge, Sir Oliver Popplewell. We hear from him and others in attendance about how the fire was said to have started.

There are some who are critical of how the inquiry was run. Was it too fast? Was its scope broad enough? Crucially, were its conclusions correct?

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.