Nightclub Fire", "3 indicted in R.I. rock concert fire - UPI Archives", "The Derderians are on a 'white-wash tour' about The Station fire, says father who lost son", "The strange and terrible true story of Great White, and the Station nightclub fire", "3 Men Are Indicted in Fire At Rhode Island Nightclub", "Foam company offers Station nightclub fire plaintiffs $6.3M settlement", "DAN BIECHELE SPEAKS Pre-Sentencing Statement GREAT WHITE TOUR MANAGER Station Nightclub Fire RI", "Fury, Tears and 4-Year Term in Deadly Blaze", "Band manager who ignited deadly Rhode Island nightclub fire freed from prison", "Manager Sentenced for Rhode Island Nightclub Fire", "Many families of Station fire victims supporting parole for band manager", "Band manager who ignited R.I. club fire is freed", "After prison, Biechele rebuilding life in Fla", "Derderians will plead; AG says he opposes sentencing deal", "2 Brothers to Plead No Contest in R.I. Patrick Lynch: Did he do his job perfectly? [6], Great White, the headlining band of the February 20 concert, had risen to fame as part of the glam metal scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s. [26] The Cowesett Inn restaurant across the street from the Station acted as an ad-hoc burn triage and command center for first responders. Now, Russo leads the Station Fire Memorial Foundation, which oversees a memorial that stands where the nightclub once went up in flames, The Boston Globe reported. Jeff Derderian: Why is it OK that the fire marshal is allowed to miss something or make a mistake and what he did was just an oops, but what we did was criminal? Based upon its work, Tentative Interim Amendments (TIAs) were issued for the national standard "Life Safety Code" (NFPA 101), in July 2003. Biechele. They were friends. Scott James: You have four exits. As it turns out, the foam they used was highly flammable. [21] The Station did not have a sprinkler system installed. Hundreds of people ran to the only exit many of them knew the way they came in. He had failed to get a license for the pyrotechnics from the State of Rhode Island and permits from the local fire department. Their story starts three years before the fire. So, I would think that the pyrotechnic provision would be in there just like we need to have, you know, 12 M&Ms, I mean, you know, and they need to be brown. Survivor Phil Barr arrived to The Station early the night of the concert. The Station Fire: 100 victims in photos The Station Fire: 100 victims in photos 98 PHOTOS More Stories Has fire prevention in RI improved since The Station fire? In February 2008, Providence television station. [24] The first West Warwick fire engine arrived at the scene at 11:13 p.m., followed by three other trucks shortly thereafter. I try to say it in the lightest way possible, she said. I could have missed that My friends that didn't survive that night have missed that. Like you feel that kinship that, you know, "God, I really hope this guy makes it." I kicked out a side window to try to get people out of there. The first time I went to counseling, I made the therapist cry, Del Sesto said. Linda Saran was a regular at The Station. But with last years dedication of the Station Memorial Park on the site of the nightclub, she said she found that along with the scars, that night had provided her with a purpose in life and people she would otherwise never have known. The company paid a hefty settlement and they weren't the only ones. As we hold those impacted by this tragedy close in our hearts, we also remember the remarkable and courageous actions of first responders, public safety officials, medical professionals, and Rhode Islanders who sprang into action to save lives on that day and who worked to comfort their communities in the days and weeks following.. Linda Saran: That's when you make a decision. "It's hard to describe the level of agony. Tracy died never giving up. But, you know, they have this following to this day . Her fianc, Alfred Freddy Crisostomi, who was behind her, pushing her toward the door, perished. [11] Although the band was officially known as Jack Russell's Great White at the time, and their tour was initially named after Russell's 2002 solo album For You, they were billed by the Station as simply Great White. And why wasn't the foam company charged? Jeff Derderian: They didn't even bring up the fax to him. In December 2003, nine months after the fire, Jeff and Michael Derderian were in court, each charged with 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter 100 for criminal negligence, and 100 for misdemeanor manslaughter. Investigators eventually discovered the fax was sent by Barry Warner, a former employee at American Foam the company that had sent the Derderians the packing foam made of flammable polyurethane. [21], Among those who died in the fire were Great White guitarist Ty Longley, and the show's emcee, WHJY DJ Mike "The Doctor" Gonsalves. Today, we mourn the 100 lives lost in the Station nightclub fire and the hundreds more whose lives will never be the same. As were going down the stairs to get into the comedy club, in the heart of Times Square, the first thought that goes through my mind: I come back and look and go: Are there two exits down there? she said. Jody King: As I went by the fire station fire trucks are coming out Now the question in my head is why are all these firetrucks leaving? Great White's tour manager Daniel Biechele also faced the same charges. The February 25 concert at the Dunkin' Donuts Center was broadcast Sunday night on VH1 and VH1 Classic. [81] In August 2016, the site was reported to have been being used as a PokeStop in Pokmon Go, to uproar from victims' families. there was nothing that would make it so you couldn't get out of it. The Derderians bought the club as an investment. Michael Derderian: But that door became impassable almost within seconds because clearly there's foam that's burning at 800 or 1,500 degrees. His work was instrumental in amassing 176 million dollars in settlements from persons and corporations responsible for the fire. SAN JOSE (BCN) - Three people were injured in a shooting that occurred Saturday morning at San Jose's Aura nightclub. Nothing lifts his despair. The result is poignant footage contrasting very different life stories. True to his words, Barr fought to breathe on his own. But does that mean it's not a crime? Jody King: We never knew the whole story because the trial never happened, so everything really never came out. Biechele was released from prison in 2008 after some families of the victims expressed their support for his parole. [31], Four employees of the Station were killed in the fire. Since the fire, I have wanted to tell the victims and their families how truly sorry I am for what happened that night and the part that I had in it. At 55, he lives with his parents and keeps to himself. The Derderians learned about a piece of evidence they say is important that was never presented to the grand jury: an eight-page fax sent to the Attorney General's Office anonymously just months after the fire entitled "The Fire. That specific. [36] Butler was there for a planned piece on nightclub safety being reported by Jeffrey A. Derderian, a WPRI news reporter who was also a part-owner of The Station. The Station nightclub owners Michael, left, and Jeffrey Derderian, right, pleaded no contest to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and agreed to a deal. So, it was not a great decision to use these inside a nightclub that only has 12-foot ceilings. A true hero would have gone for it, Vanner said. (WJAR) WEST WARWICK . And he says you can. Today she is president of the Station Fire Memorial Foundation, the group that oversaw the construction of the memorial park. In 2008, the band agreed to pay $1. [85] By April 2016, $1.65 million of the $2 million fundraising goal had been achieved and construction of the Station Fire Memorial Park had commenced. The loss is still fresh for her cousins, she said, even 15 years later. into the main barroom. I was asked to work the merch table for the band, so I was getting 40 bucks and two T-shirts. It was liquid fire," says former Attorney General Patrick Lynch, who investigated the disaster. Then there's that interior, inward swinging door by the stage that Former Attorney General Patrick Lynch says was responsible for loss of life the night of the fire. Vanner has no excuses. She saw friends who had lost people they loved, others who had been burned and scarred by the fire, and felt embarrassed that she got out physically unharmed. And I knew the window was to my left. [2][46] On December 9, 2003, the grand jury announced indictments against Station owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian and Great White road manager Daniel M. [83], In June 2003, the Station Fire Memorial Foundation (SFMF) was formed with the purpose of purchasing the property, to build and maintain a memorial. Since The Station fire, many states have adopted stricter fire prevention codes. But never once do they say, "we screwed up." Jeffrey and Michael Derderian, the owners of the Station, pleaded no contest and avoided a trial: Michael received the same sentence as Biechele and was released from prison in 2009, while Jeffrey received a sentence of 500 hours of community service. [79], The site of the fire was cleared, and a multitude of crosses were placed as memorials, left by loved ones of the deceased. Jeff Derderian: That door was meant to block the noise from the neighbors. Jody King: I spent the next five or six hours going back and forth in the parking lot talking to firemen, asking firemen, "can you please pull the sheets back for me? So, I actually got a really good sense of the layout of the venue.". We haven't played it since then and probably never will. Both the brothers had other jobs. [2] Larocque later told the Rhode Island State Police that he had not spotted the polyurethane foam during the November 2002 inspection because he was upset after finding an illegal inward swinging door that he had previously asked to be removed from the building. But then the door would go back up when it was going to be a loud night. Cold air washing over me. Eighteen years later, there is no consensus among survivors when it comes to blame. Brandon Fravale, a survivor of The Station nightclub fire, speaks with NBC 10 on how he copes with survivor's guilt. The shooting was first reported at 12:04 a.m. in the 300 block of S. 1st . Tracy King liked to entertain people with his unique talent. According to Lynch, under Rhode Island law, the fire marshal could not be criminally charged unless there was evidence of bad faith or malice. The following day the brothers responded at a press conference: JEFF DERDERIAN: No permission was ever requested by the band or any of its agents to use pyrotechnics at The Station, and no permission was ever given. The Derderians say despite their love for the club the business had peaked, and they were in the process of selling it. People recall the events of the fourth deadliest night club fire in U.S. history. [96] By 2013, Russell's group had resumed playing "Desert Moon". S01:E02 - Joplin Tornado. I miss Tina a lot. In the aftermath, Vanner battled an addiction to crack cocaine and alcohol, which he used to cope but which cost him jobs and his drivers license. He trusted the owners. Unlike many of the patrons there, this was Barr's first time at the club. According to author Scott James, Great White had reportedly used a large pyro display without permission at other clubs, including just days before the fire at a show in New Jersey. Patrick Lynch: You're telling me it wasn't, and I don't know that it wasn't. S01:E01 - San Francisco Freeway Collapse. Eighteen years later, there was no consensus among survivors when it comes to blame. I'm so sorry for what I have done, and I don't want to cause anyone any more pain. Jim Axelrod: There are so many people still to this day angry that the case didn't go to trial. Phil Barr awoke after three weeks in a medically induced coma and was told his lungs had been badly damaged. To the families of those who died on that devastating day: Rhode Island will never forget your loved ones and we will always stand by you, McKee said in the statement. [22] During the performance, pyrotechnics set off by tour manager Daniel Biechele ignited the flammable acoustic foam on both sides and the top center of the drummer's alcove at the back of the stage. The roof was caving in, walls were caving in, body after body in front of me. Jim Axelrod: The brothers say," wait a minute, we ordered sound foam. I don't even like to talk about it. PATRICK LYNCH [news interview]: Certainly, there are people we are looking at, ultimately, we may target. One near the bar. The Station Nightclub Fire - University of Cincinnati pdf To summarize the reports, specifically about how people exited, the vast majority of people attempted to exit the way they came in. [99] 41 and a film based on O'Neill's play They Walk Among Us were aired by Rhode Island PBS in February 2013 in conjunction with the tenth anniversary of the fire. Season 1. Those at the nightclub had to act soon, as smoke was visible in the exit doorways in just over one minute. [90] The band initially retired "Desert Moon", the song they were performing when the fire began, from their concert set list. Scott James: When people arrive, they walk through this entrance and this kinda longish hallway. Lynch also points out that the exits were a safety issue. [57], On September 4, 2007, some families of the fire's victims expressed their support for Biechele's parole. I went back around the front again, and that's when you saw people stacked on top of each other, trying to get out of the front door. [22] Biechele used four gerbs that were set to spray sparks 15 feet (4.6m) for fifteen seconds. Marc Goldbaum is the development producer. And he's like he don't know. Michael Derderian: The club was sold. [8], Great White had two opening acts for the February 20 concert: Trip, a group from Vancouver, Washington, and Fathead, a local Rhode Island band. And a quarter of those people didn't get to go home ever," says survivor Linda Saran, who was severely burned in the fire at The Station nightclub. The fire started shortly after Great White began performing their opening number, "Desert Moon". He is now seven years sober from cocaine, although alcohol is a more pestering problem, he says. Foam the Derderians had installed along the club's walls and ceilings to conceal noise was highly flammable and "was equal to gallons of gasoline. In 2003, 100 people died and over 200 were injured at a rock concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island. But Jeff Derderian, who was helping out at the bar, says he and an employee tried to get to the stage with a fire extinguisher. Within weeks, the National Fire Protection Association committee met to regulate code for "assembly occupancies." How is it our responsibility if they gave us the wrong foam?". This page was last edited on 3 March 2023, at 14:21. Scott James: They are what they call 15x15. Club owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian reached a settlement of $813,000 with survivors and victims' families in September 2008. Jim Axelrod: And that's when the despair sinks in. Since he co-owned The Station nightclub with his brother Michael Derderian, Jeff suggested it as a venue for generic nightclub footage. Two years after the fire at The Station nightclub, the Derderians learned about a piece of evidence they say is important that was never presented to the grand jury: an eight-page fax sent to the Attorney General's Office anonymously just months after the fire entitled "The Fire. View All 100 Memorials for the The Station Nightclub Fire Site. Jim Axelrod: Mr. Warner's fax wasn't presented to the grand jury, correct? I couldn't understand him or understand the magnitude of what was going on there. [44] The NIST report was released on March 3, 2005 and was made available in two parts on June 30, 2005. Published on August 10, 2017 09:05 AM. there are other people who should be responsible. But instead, I chose to run like a common coward.. Station nightclub fire survivor tells burn victims love can happen amid scars, fears: Joe Kinan has had more than 120 surgeries, not the least of which was a hand transplant. REELZ today announced the network's original documentary America's Deadliest Rock Concert: The Guest List premieres February 20th at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT presenting the deeply personal stories of lives forever altered by the tragic Station nightclub fire that left 100 people dead, more than 200 injured and devastated the tight-knit community of West Warwick, Rhode Island. The fire seemed to burn quickly, she added. Lying on the floor not far from the horseshoe bar, Barr lost consciousness. Tweet. [80], A permanent memorial at the site of the fire has been erected and named the Station Fire Memorial Park. They were told to take it down. And then the main exit that hallway where everyone came through. Honored to have been able to attend such an in depth and eye opening training opportunity. [27] A portion of the nightclub roof collapsed at 11:57 p.m., and a second portion in the building's sunroom collapsed at 12:07 a.m..[24] Patients were transported to Kent Hospital, which was filled to maximum capacity due to the fire. I went around back. Jeff Derderian: That door was opened immediately and that's where the band went out. Share. The answer is no. Linda Saran still places much of it on the Derderian brothers. I don't know that I'll ever forgive myself for what happened that night, so I can't expect anybody else to. Am I going to sit here and cry about this? I did not lead them out, he said dismissively. Scott James: He writes up this long, almost a manifesto about all the things that he thinks are wrong in that foam company that led to this tragedy. [39] WPRI-TV and Derderian were criticized for the conflict of interest in having a reporter do a report concerning his own property. [4] Another restaurant opened in the building in 1974. CBS Boston Rhode Island Gov. A West Warwick police officer who was already at the scene also reported the fire to police dispatch. [2], In the months prior to the fire, the building had been inspected twice by West Warwick fire marshal Denis Larocque. But that night, leading the cameraman around was bouncer Tracy King, a dedicated husband and father of three young boys. Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch opened an investigation and convened a grand jury to determine if anyone should face criminal charges. [33] One survivor claimed that a bouncer blocked a side door as attendees attempted to escape the building, stating the door was only to be used by the band. Tracy King died saving many others the night of the fire. I will never forget that night, and I will never forget the people that were hurt by it. ", "20 years later, the effects of the Station nightclub fire still linger - The Boston Globe", "The Great White Nightclub Fire: Ten Years Later", "In West Warwick firefighters' hearts, the disaster isn't over", "How a West Warwick restaurant became a triage center for burn victims", "20th anniversary of New England nightclub fire that killed 100", "State supreme court to review penalty for employee deaths in R.I. fire - UPI.com", "Workers comp. then as it heals, the scarring tightens up. Jim Axelrod: Do you feel, "Oh my goodness, we're in trouble?". This article was originally published on Oct. 22, 2021. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. But she refuses to live in the past. She endured more than 50 operations. It was that fast. Jody King: He went on David Letterman twice to do Stupid Human Tricks. He was out there, and he just loved being in the center. The flanking gerbs became the principal cause of the fire. It would have been my legacy, Vanner said. [9] Although Warner was called to testify to a grand jury, he was not asked about the fax. But with last springs dedication of the memorial on the old nightclub site, Del Sesto said she thinks she has found a way not to forget, but to live with the memories. Fifteen years from now, she hopes, her students will go by the park, and have a memory, a connection, with the 100 people whose names and faces are etched into black granite squares arrayed throughout the park. Michael Derderian: Correct. And Paul Vanner didnt like what he saw. [2] The three were each charged with 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter with criminal negligence and 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter in violation of a misdemeanor. Tracy King worked at The Station as a bouncer. When I turned around, some people were already trying to leave, and others were just sitting there going, "Yeah, that's great!" Its irrelevant.. Linda Saran: Yes. A decade ago, a survivor . The trunk bears the names of the fire victims. I said to myself, we gotta go. Jeff Derderian: I don't know. [104] It was last introduced in the House in 2015 by then-U.S. Reps. James Langevin of Rhode Island and Tom Reed of New York.[104]. At the time of the fire, he had just started a new job closer to home in Providence at the local CBS station. [15][16] All the members of Trip escaped the Station without injury, but two members of Fathead, cousins Keith and Steven Mancini, died in the fire. It took a while, she said, but she thinks she had found the way to move on from it but to keep it with her as well. View Image Gallery. At the time of The Station fire, older clubs in Rhode Island weren't required to install sprinklers. [48], Following the tragedy, Governor Donald Carcieri declared a moratorium on pyrotechnic displays at venues that hold fewer than 300 people.
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