Institutionalised Conflict and the Subordination of ‘Loss’ in the Immediate Aftermath of UK Mass Fatality Disasters

This paper explores an under researched, yet immensely significant, context of sudden bereavement: the immediate aftermath of ‘domestic’ disasters. Focusing on recent UK disasters, it considers the role and function of crisis management and its relationship to crisis support after rescue and evacuation has been completed. Drawing on in‐depth research interviews with the bereaved and survivors, it explores the impact of inter‐agency conflict on their assumed rights and their longer‐term recovery. Taking three disasters as the primary foci, the paper examines the professional, operational priorities and practices of crisis response. It considers the functional, mechanistic and quasi‐military rationale behind site management, communication and the process of identification. It argues that the psychosocial and material needs of the bereaved and survivors are subordinated to the professional priorities of regulatory agencies, particularly the police. Finally, it develops the case for proactive crisis support and the creation of a positive rights agenda based on advocacy and effective representation of the psychosocial needs of the bereaved.