This archive report was first published on 28 November 2019.
On November 28, 1989, a devastating crush at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, England, claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool fans. Thirty years later, the families of the victims still sought answers in a courtroom.
Chrissie Burke, whose father, Henry, died in the tragedy, stood in the public gallery and addressed the judge, Sir Peter Openshaw, saying, “I would like to know who is responsible for my father’s death, because someone is.”
Assistant police commissioner Rob Beckley, who led the most recent investigation, defended the thorough investigation and trial, stating, “it is right” that there was a trial. However, he acknowledged the delay, saying, “What is wrong is that it has taken 30 years to get to this point.”
The Hillsborough tragedy occurred when police commanders opened an exit gate, allowing thousands of fans to rush into the stadium, crushing those already in the crowded pens. The incident was a result of a combination of factors, including the segregation of fans in separate parts of the stadium and the slow entry through turnstiles.
