The biggest question was, why had the fire spread so quickly? [21] The fire spread throughout the building and was completely engulfed within six minutes of the pyrotechnic ignition. [9] Two gerbs were at 45-degree angles, with the middle two pointing straight up. Now in private practice, Lynch says he looked into a host of people. [88], Russell considered disbanding Great White after the fire, but reconsidered when he decided to embark on a benefit tour. It couldnt continue another 10, 15 years, it couldnt. Seconds later, flames appeared on the back wall. Jeffrey Derderian received 500 hours of community service. For years, he worked in Boston for Channel 7. [48] Some victims' families criticized the 48 Hours segment and the Derderians' involvement. [76] The Rhode Island state fire code was changed after the fire to require every nightclub in the state with a capacity of over 150 people to have a sprinkler system installed.[3]. Jeff Derderian: You know a day doesn't go by that we don't think about it in some way, shape or form. That happened in 2002. Jeff Derderian: this is flammable you can't have this. The fire was now out of control; it had spread along the foam that lined the walls and ceiling intended to dampen sound. It looked like a ladder of those black jelly bracelets from the 80s hanging in rings around my wrists. PROVIDENCE Over the years Dave Kane has had to find a place to store his outrage over losing his 18-year-old son, Nicholas, in The Station nightclub fire in 2003. you could not see your hand in front of your face. [89] Kendall said in 2005, "We haven't played that song. You were not approaching that area at all. They want to talk to you." After 15 years of it being a dominant part of her everyday life, she said she is ready for it to be a part of her past. You see on your left the horseshoe-shaped bar. I couldn't play an instrument. I am proud. Linda Saran: The night of the fire I got in for free. / CBS News. And then the main exit that hallway where everyone came through," explains Scott James. Jim Axelrod: Describe The Station nightclub for me. What kind of club was this? That night is not a coherent memory for her, she said, but a sequence of moments when she was hyper-focused on finding her friends or helping those around her. And I sent it to her and the best compliment I ever got was oh, his hairs fantastic.. Jeff Derderian: None of the inspections and then follow-up inspections. "There really weren't that many people around early in the night. Bruce Cain also lost someone who he was prepared to spend the rest of his life with. Built in 1946, the wooden Station nightclub was grandfathered into an exception for laws requiring ceiling fire sprinklers. And that's when it starts to hit you all that you've lost. In the end, the survivors and victims' families settled for a total of $176 million. [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. Lynch also points out that the exits were a safety issue. [95][49], Neither version of Great White performed in any of the six New England states for over a decade following the fire. Dan McKee stopped by the memorial on the 20th anniversary of the fire Monday. fine against Station Nightclub owners upheld", "Station nightclub fire survivor tells how she's moved on in new book", "The Station fire took emotional toll on survivors, study finds", "Tentative $30 million deal in R. I. nightclub fire", "TV station that assigned reporter to cover his own nightclub raises ethical issue", "Station Video Spurs Lawsuit - Pollstar News", "Nightclub owner resigns from WPRI television", "Report of the Technical Investigation of The Station Nightclub Fire: Appendices (NIST NCSTAR 2), Volume 2", "Grand Jury Convened to Probe Deadly R.I. The message is, Dont forget. Never forget these people or forget what happened., Stay up to date on all the latest news from Boston.com. [12] Russell's relation with some survivors and families has been strained, although he remains close to Longley's family. PATRICK LYNCH [news interview]: Certainly, there are people we are looking at, ultimately, we may target. America's Deadliest Rock Concert: The Guest List explores the Station nightclub fire through gripping survivor accounts and family members and friends of victims who have memorialized their loss . This is the time to leave. At first, there was no panic. On May 20, 2003, nondenominational services began to be held at the site of the fire for a number of months. 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. then as it heals, the scarring tightens up. I can't speak Everything was, you know, sore and hoarse I picked up the pen in very weak, you know, kind of handwriting I wrote, "I hope to make progress every day.". We screwed up." Scott James: The fire alarm you hear it kick in. The Guest List: The Station Nightclub Fire, America's Deadliest Rock Concert will premiere on Sunday, February 20, 2022. if I had nothing to hide, then why wouldn't you why wouldn't you talk to them and tell them what you knew or what you didn't know? The loss is still fresh for her cousins, she said, even 15 years later. these contracts are pretty specific. In my head, I didnt even belong with them because I walked out without a scratch.. American Foam said Warner's claims about the company are false. [49][50], Lynch told 48 Hours that his investigation found that the fire spread quickly due to the foam the Derderians had installed in the Station's walls and ceilings as a response to noise complaints. [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. once you could no longer see, it was total pandemonium. In the days after the fire, victims' families and survivors faced a harsh new reality. Jim Axelrod is the chief investigative correspondent and senior national correspondent for CBS News, reporting for "CBS This Morning," "CBS Evening News," "CBS Sunday Morning" and other CBS News broadcasts. Michael Derderian: Zero. Hundreds of people ran to the only exit many of them knew the way they came in. The shooting was first reported at 12:04 a.m. in the 300 block of S. 1st . They would want to talk, she said, and they wouldnt freak. Linda Saran: I think a lot of people miss out on the moments. How is it our responsibility if they gave us the wrong foam?". Jody King: "Anybody see Tracy?" "[63] He added that the difference in the brothers' sentences reflected their respective involvement with the purchase and installation of the flammable foam. At the opening of the park I had 100 students from my school come, and I had to explain it all so I gave them their learning experience, she said of last Mays dedication of the park on the site of the Station nightclub. About 40 seconds after the song began, Great White stopped the show and all but one member of the band escaped through the stage door exit. "[91], Two years to the day after the fire, band members Russell and Kendall, along with Great White's attorney, Ed McPherson, appeared on CNN's Larry King Live with three survivors of the fire and the father of Longley, to discuss how their lives had changed since the incident. You walk on the property, and it doesnt feel tragic anymore. [2] The final tally by The Providence Journal of people inside the Station during the fire totaled 462. ", Scott James: They had their moments. After the fire, multiple civil and criminal cases were filed. A staggering 100 lives were lost. [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. 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. Phil Barr: We kind of crouched down behind some of the people in front of us. [32] The fine was not resolved until 2013, ten years after the fire, when it was upheld by a judge. During a concert by the rock band Great White, a pyrotechnic display ignited flammable acoustic foam in the walls and ceilings surrounding the stage. [93] After a 2013 legal settlement between the two parties, Kendall's band retained the Great White name, while Russell's band was allowed to use the name Jack Russell's Great White. And I hear [moves her arms to the side with a whoosh] and out Deb went. It had to end, for me and it ended in the most beautiful way.. America's Deadliest Rock Concert: The Guest List explores the Station nightclub fire through gripping survivor accounts and family members and friends of victims who have memorialized their loss through pursuits ranging from an exhibit of commemorative body art to re-immersion in the rock culture that initially brought them and their loved ones NFPA on LinkedIn: Station Nightclub Fire Survivor Returns to the Scene Flames can be seen on the back wall. They are speaking out about the fire for the first time. Multiple injured after shooting at San Jose nightclub | KRON4 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. But does that mean it's not a crime? Michael owned a financial services business; Jeff was a local news reporter. [37] The report had been inspired by the E2 nightclub stampede in Chicago that killed 21 people three days earlier. As a human being how do you not feel some sort of responsibility for that ? my dad was in the room. He was the. I'll be right back." There is one consistent thing I have learned after 18 years in the Doreen Schechter and Gary Winter are the editors. But it's fun. Out of it. However, on September 21, 2006, Judge Darigan announced that the brothers had changed their pleas from "not guilty" to "no contest," thereby avoiding a trial. It just so happens that we're evacuated due to the CZU complex fire but hey that's how. View All 100 Memorials for the The Station Nightclub Fire Site. I couldn't get up. I never imagined that anyone ever would be. Their story starts three years before the fire. Parole board chairwoman Lisa Holley told journalists of her surprise at the forgiving attitude of the families, saying, "I think the most overwhelming part of it for me was the depth of forgiveness of many of these families that have sustained such a loss. But the night of the fire it was up to help cut down the noise. Michael Derderian: That is correct. Jack Russell declined "48 Hours"' request for an interview. Her fianc, Alfred Freddy Crisostomi, who was behind her, pushing her toward the door, perished. Linda will forever wear the scars of that horrible night. Two decades after 100 people were killed in the West Warwick, R.I. fire, those affected by the incident are reflecting on that tragic night. 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. I never thought it would get so bad., He told bartender Julie Mellini that they had to leave, and she and several patrons followed Vanner out the kitchen door. Remembering the Station Nightclub Fire - ICC Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch opened an investigation and convened a grand jury to determine if anyone should face criminal charges. Today Phil Barr is married and a father of two little girls. The pyrotechnics ignited the walls on either side of the stage and within seconds flames spread along the foam that lined the walls and ceiling of the club intended to dampen sound. Michael Derderian: Take this stuff down. Three days after the station fire, Jody King finally got the news that his brother Tracy's body had been found. The charge is pending. [2] The club was cited for nine minor code violations during the first inspection in November 2002, but was not cited for the flammable polyurethane foam the venue used for soundproofing, which was against code. 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. And by then, the black smoke was pouring out over their heads. The Derderians say that in the three years they owned the club, no one ever questioned the safety of the foam. Michael Derderian: We do understand that anger and that's that's why we're here with you. [98], 41, a documentary about Nicholas O'Neill, the youngest victim of the fire, was screened at Rhode Island theaters in 2008. [3] A fire had previously occurred at the building in 1972 while it was used as a restaurant called Julio's. S01:E02 - Joplin Tornado. The Guest List is a strikingly visual film. Based upon its work, Tentative Interim Amendments (TIAs) were issued for the national standard "Life Safety Code" (NFPA 101), in July 2003. I never wanted anyone to be hurt in any way. That happened in 2001. As the crowd bottlenecked at the clubs entrance, thick black smoke poured out of the building and over their heads. Produced by Betsy Shuller and Chris Young Ritzen. 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. He trusted in his friends. Michael and Jeff Derderian pleaded no contest to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and agreed to a deal. S01:E01 - San Francisco Freeway Collapse. [86][87] The memorial dedication ceremony took place on May 21, 2017. To satisfy noise complaints from neighbors, the brothers had installed foam along the club's walls and ceilings. 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. It had to be two minutes tops before the whole place was black smoke. So, it was very quickly they were in the circle of people we should look at. My parents taught us a lot, a lot of things. We took shortcuts. Witnesses of the nearly mile-wide tornado recount how they managed to survive. The first was her life before Feb. 20, 2003. It's not just about hitting the next goal but doing something really meaningful. That was his gift. I could have missed my daughter's high school graduation, the birth of her children. But 15 years later, she said, its time for her to move out of its shadow. That's all I can keep seeing in my head. Why had the fire spread so quickly? [11] Dominic Santana, the owner of The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey, told reporters that Great White had used pyrotechnics during their February 14, 2003 performance at the venue without his permission, and their contract and rider did not mention pyrotechnics displays. [59], Biechele's parole and probation expired in March 2011. [24] Hundreds of firefighters responded to the fire, including every available West Warwick firefighter. Patrick Lynch: Again, any reference in this conversation about what the brothers say, I I take a step back and think I don't really trust it. Michael Derderian: He finds the deficiencies, you have to correct the deficiencies and then signs off so that you so you can get your liquor license that happened in 2000. John Barylick is an attorney who represented victims in numerous wrongful death and personal injury cases arising from the Station nightclub fire. 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. Phil Barr: I asked my pulmonologist, you know, "when can I get back in the pool?" It fuels you. The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I., was on fire . We couldn't make it. They all came so every single one of those hundred students held up a white rose and they represented one of the 100 [who died]. Jim Axelrod: If you have a message that you want the people of Rhode Island to hear, there were plenty of ways to get it out long before now. His fiance, Tina Ayer, died at 33 in the fire, CBS Boston reported. An off-duty police officer standing outside had heard her kicking at the window. They should have blamed more. [82] The stop was removed from the game by developer Niantic later that month. Michael Derderian: He's completely out of it. The trunk bears the names of the fire victims. He was granted parole and then released after 22 months. Great White was part of the lawsuit. I thought how terrible it was that my daughter was going to grow up without her mom. [9] American Foam refuted the claims in Warner's fax. We haven't played it since then and probably never will. I try to say it in the lightest way possible, she said. Father of youngest Station nightclub fire victim questions why owners I remember getting pushed from behind. WEST WARWICK, R.I. The owners of The Station nightclub say their decision to finally speak publicly about the deadly fire there nearly . Gina Russo, who was in The Station on Feb. 20, 2003, barely made it out. But even more than walking, Phil wanted to return to swimming. Barr was now outside, but he felt like his lungs were on fire. He wrote: "This is a company that is well aware of the dangers of polyurethane foam. Her father has seven brothers, Pimentel said, and she was especially close to Carlos. [94] Russell's group made its first New England appearance in twelve years at a harvest festival in Mechanic Falls, Maine, in August 2015. Michael Derderian: The field test is crystal clear. if he had done that, then he would have obviously have said to us . Mon, February 20th 2023, 8:29 PM PST. JACK RUSSELL [news interview]: We never do anything without asking permission first. 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. Linda Saran still places much of it on the Derderian brothers. Michael spent 33 months in prison, while Jeff had to do 500 hours of community service. and I tripped over what I assume was a bar stool. Patrick Lynch: The type of foam was equal to gallons of gasoline. Jim Axelrod: Who's responsible for that foam going up on the wall? The story of three survivors that were trapped when the massive Cypress Street viaduct collapsed. Michael Derderian: And I'm saying to him "Did everybody get out Did anyone die?" Survivors of The Station nightclub fire struggle with guilt 20 years One near the bar. Obviously the nightclub was not in compliance, and there never should have been pyrotechnics, but there's no evidence the bouncers blocked people from . When Laroque testified before the grand jury he claimed he never saw the foam. Cold air washing over me. Survivor Phil Barr arrived to The Station early the night of the concert. that door being up, there is no question that that increased the likelihood that many, many more would perish. The Guest List: Documentary about The Station nightclub fire will "[5], Many of the survivors of the fire developed post-traumatic stress disorder after the event. 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? there was nothing that would make it so you couldn't get out of it. VIEW ALL PHOTOS. Its just one of those things thats ingrained in you.. 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. [58] Others pointed out that Biechele had sent handwritten letters to the families of each of the 100 victims and that he had a work release position in a local charity. Patrick Lynch: I don't think there's any question that had that door not been up a significant number of people would have survived. WEST WARWICK, R.I. -- Five years . In February 2006 three years after the station nightclub burned down many in Rhode Island were shocked to learn that instead of a trial, a plea deal had been reached with Daniel Biechele, the tour manager for the band Great White. [77], A benefit memorial concert was held in February 2008 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence and featured performances by Tesla, Twisted Sister, Winger, Gretchen Wilson, and John Rich. This is a massive part of my life. Also outside was club owner Jeff Derderian. [20], Great White started their performance at 11:07 p.m. on February 20. 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. [2], The first criminal trial was against Great White's tour manager, Daniel Michael Biechele, 26, from Orlando, Florida. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. But I should have at least tried.. And I fell down the stairs, out that door. The result is poignant footage contrasting very different life stories. Survivor of Rhode Island Station Nightclub Fire Rebuilds His Life 14 [47] Larocque was not charged by the grand jury, as Lynch had cited a state law that prevented charges against fire marshals without proof of bad faith. At the scene, Jody King was desperate for information about his brother, and began to fear the worst. Jim Axelrod: How do you know he went in nine times? If they stood up and said, small business owners, we were inexperienced. It was completely preventable. Since 2003, the approach of the anniversary of the Station fire, where she and her twin sister, Cara Ann, got out unhurt while 100 others died and about 200 more were injured, was four weeks of dread. American Foam Corporation, who sold the insulation to The Station nightclub, agreed in 2008 to pay $6.3 million to settle lawsuits relating to the fire. "48 Hours" is not showing any of that footage. Jeff Derderian: I remember we were trying to get people away from the building. The Derderians have always maintained that they never gave the band permission to use pyrotechnics. Jim Axelrod: Over the course of the investigation, what did you learn about the way the brothers ran their business? How did you meet him? JEFF DERDERIAN [crying]: Many people didn't make it out and that is a horror that will haunt my family and I for the rest of our lives. Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider, who is featured in a REELZ documentary about the Warwick, Rhode Island Station nightclub fire, which killed some 100 attendees of a Great White concert in 2003, [21], By this time, the nightclub's fire alarm had activated, and although there were four possible exits, most people headed for the front door through which they had entered. "It feels like somebody knew somebody who was in that fire or knew somebody who did, so the pain is very personal.". Linda Saran: I said, "you know what? Michael Derderian: Remember, I'm still in Florida. And then the main exit that hallway where everyone came through. Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. But I dont want it to define the rest of my life. The Station nightclub in West Warwick burned down on Feb. 20, 2003, during a concert by rock band Great White, leaving 100 people dead and more than 200 injured. [60] As of 2013[update], Biechele lived in Florida with his wife and two children. He doesn't know. The Station nightclub fire: What happened, how many died, who was Michael Derderian: Correct. February 20 is the 19th anniversary of the tragic fire that killed 100 and injured another 230 people at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island. The blaze began when the band Jack Russell's Great White took the stage and their tour manager set off four large fireworks. [38] Derderian had begun working for WPRI on February 17, three days before the fire. And people just stood there. The Station was owned by brothers Michael and Jeff Derderian. But instead, I chose to run like a common coward.. On May 10, 2006, State Prosecutor Randall White asked that Biechele be sentenced to ten years in prison, the maximum allowed under the plea bargain, citing the massive loss of life in the fire and the need to send a message. Vanner doesnt know when the night will be over. The fire left her with burns over 40 percent of her body, it incinerated her hair. Stephen Sweet, a Quincy firefighter who lost his cousin Shawn Sweet in the fire, came to play the bagpipes at a memorial ceremony Monday, WCVB reported. Updated on: October 24, 2021 / 2:07 AM Scott James: I decided I would start asking some questions. Vanner spoke about how his life derailed after 11:07 p.m. on Feb. 20, 2003. According to Bostonherald.com, a memorial fund that raises money for survivors of The Station nightclub fire received at least $25,000 in donations after a benefit concert aired on television, organizers said today.. He still remembers that deadly night. It is now mandatory for nightclubs with occupancy over 150 to have them. In 2003, 100 people died and over 200 were injured at a rock concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island. He had failed to get a license for the pyrotechnics from the State of Rhode Island and permits from the local fire department. [12] The rest of the lineup included guitarist Ty Longley, who died in the fire, bass guitarist Dave Felice, and drummer Eric Powers. And I took a good look and I said, "Oh, st, I'm burned.". Barr was located between the stage and the front door. [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. He was worried about his brother Tracy who worked there as a bouncer. . For those who lived through it or lost a loved one, healing from the horrific scars, both physical and emotional, takes time. [104] The legislation would create a tax incentive for property owners to install fire sprinkler systems. Scott James: It should not have happened. It was that fast. I don't care what I'm going to see.". Susan Nicol. And Paul Vanner didnt like what he saw. Survivors and friends of survivors active in the effort to turn the nightclub site in West Warwick into a memorial park recount the emotional journeys that brought them from 2003 to 2018.. [14] In the aftermath of the fire, Great White and the owners of the Station disputed whether the band were allowed to use the pyrotechnic display during their concert. Dan Biechele, center, at his sentencing. She spoke with the Globe about Jefferey and Michael Derderian, the . So, to the people who think we don't own it I'm telling you, we DO own it ok? It looked like it was raining black fire. Eighteen years later, there was no consensus among survivors when it comes to blame. She paused, her eyes tearing. Phil Barr: A lot of people moved back towards the main entrance it became really clear that we were not going to be able [to] get out the front door.

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