A verdict of accidental death has been recorded on Mr Brian Barry (24), the son of show business promoter Mr Oliver Barry, who died when his car went on fire at Donnybrook, Dublin, on the night of January 26th.
At the inquest yesterday the jury asked that a warning be issued to all young people of the dangers of sleeping in a car whose engine is running.
The jury also asked the Dublin City Coroner, Dr Brian Farrell, to alert motor industry manufacturers and consumer associations of the dangers of car exhaust systems overheating.
The City Coroner's Court was told that Mr Barry, of Hollywood Rath, Mulhuddart, Co Dublin, was caught in noxious fumes and heat after the exhaust system of his Opel Astra overheated.
A garda gave evidence of his attempts to rescue the young man, who appeared to have gone to sleep in the parked car after turning on the engine to make the heater work.
The inquest heard that Mr Barry had earlier attended Annabel's night club and a number of pubs in Donnybrook before deciding to stay with friends nearby. However, he lost his directions.
Mr Colm Allen SC, for the family, said Mr Barry decided to endure the discomfort of sleeping in his car rather than drive home under the influence.
Extensive Garda enquiries took place following the fire, but Det Insp John Fitzpatrick said Mr Barry "had no hand, act or part" in starting the fire, which was a very unusual one, in the car.
The State Pathologist, Dr John Harbison, said the cause of death was a lack of oxygen, heat shock and carbon monoxide poisoning due to exposure and inhalation of fumes from the fire. Mr Barry had a blood alcohol level of 209 mg.
Garda Mervyn Rice told the court that he found flames rising up around the car engine and on to the passenger side when he arrived at the scene at Mulberry Gardens, Donnybrook, at about 5.55 a.m.
He was forced back by a massive gush of heat and smoke which had a plastic, sickening smell. He immediately shouted to Mr Barry to give him his hand, but there was no response or movement from him.
He then pulled at Mr Barry's arm and tried to get him out of the car, but the flames got steadily worse.
The garda added: "As I was pulling the deceased, the sleeve of his shirt came away as well as the skin and tissue into my hands. I realised I was losing the battle.
"I then heard a loud bang and the fire went straight over my head. The roof of the car went up into an inferno and the hair of my head went on fire," Garda Rice said.