[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. In fact, they did the opposite.". Linda will forever wear the scars of that horrible night. Scott James: I decided I would start asking some questions. [tears up, shaking his head]. [12] Russell's relation with some survivors and families has been strained, although he remains close to Longley's family. [82] The stop was removed from the game by developer Niantic later that month. This is a massive part of my life. And outside I went. The Station nightclub fire occurred on the evening of February 20, 2003 at The Station, a nightclub and hard rock music venue in West Warwick, Rhode Island, United States, killing 100 people and injuring 230. I would see the burn survivors, whom Im lucky enough to call friends, Del Sesto said. Jim Axelrod: Over the course of the investigation, what did you learn about the way the brothers ran their business? "Why me?" 20 years later, Station nightclub fire survivors talk guilt "48 Hours" has confirmed the fax wasnotpresented to the grand jury. [9] In 2005, the Rhode Island Attorney General office received a fax from Barry Warner, a former employee of American Foam who lived nearby the Station, who claimed the company had known about the dangers of polyurethane foam but did not warn their employees about it. "[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. "Literally laid there and said, 'God please just take care of my family,' because I knew I was going to die,'" survivor Linda Saran recalls. He turned back to see the crowd bottle-necked at the stage. The Station nightclub fire: What happened, how many died, who was They were told to take it down. Seconds later, flames appeared on the back wall. Linda Saran: That's when you make a decision. 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. And while they weren't charged in the criminal case, survivors and victims' families sued them in civil court for not warning the Derderians the foam they sent them was flammable. That happened in 2002. There was nothing heroic about what I did.. "Taking responsibility for your actions goes a long way," she says. Gina Russo of Cranston, R.I. is a survivor of the Station nightclub fire and president of The Station Fire Memorial Foundation. It would have been my legacy, Vanner said. During a concert by the rock band Great White, a pyrotechnic display ignited flammable acoustic foam in the walls and ceilings surrounding the stage. I don't know that I'll ever forgive myself for what happened that night, so I can't expect anybody else to. "[63] He added that the difference in the brothers' sentences reflected their respective involvement with the purchase and installation of the flammable foam. In 2017 a memorial was opened to honor the100 innocent lives that were tragically lost in The Station fire, including Tracy King, who died saving so many others. Barr says when he came to, he felt excruciating pain near the base of his spine and burning on his face. Michael Derderian: It would have been horrific to have people go through this. Killer Show: The Station Nightclub Fire, America's Deadliest Rock The flanking gerbs became the principal cause of the fire. Gina Russo, a survivor of The Station nightclub fire. [94] Russell's group made its first New England appearance in twelve years at a harvest festival in Mechanic Falls, Maine, in August 2015. I miss Tina a lot. First of all, I don't know you would, how would you how would you accomplish the detail and the amount of new information in a news conference or, you know, a commercial or something that we would try and do on our own. Twisted Sister's Dee Snider Honors 2003 Station Nightclub Fire Victims [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. Michael Derderian: We do understand that anger and that's that's why we're here with you. Her fianc, Alfred Freddy Crisostomi, did not. / CBS News. [43][45], An investigation of the fire by a Rhode Island state grand jury was started by then-Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch on February 26, 2003. True to his words, Barr fought to breathe on his own. [28] By 1:30 a.m. on February 21, all patients had been transported and the street had been cleared. The Derderians say despite their love for the club the business had peaked, and they were in the process of selling it. For the first few years she shunned memorial ceremonies but eventually was convinced to go. Everybody just kind of turned. [4] The nightclub was purchased by brothers Michael and Jeffrey Derderian in March 2000. [78] The event raised at least $25,000 in donations for the Station Family Fund, and was broadcast in March by VH1 and VH1 Classic. The Foam.". Patrick Lynch: I don't think anybody in anything that they did wanted anybody to die that night or get injured. [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. Jody King: I see the horror. It is the fourth-deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history. 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. I did not lead them out, he said dismissively. We're running out of time." It was liquid fire," says former Attorney General Patrick Lynch, who investigated the disaster. Linda Saran: They have said they were sorry. And yet, at the point in time, I don't think I knew his name. He spent 33 months in prison, while Jeff had to do 500 hours of community service. Patrick Lynch: Did he do his job perfectly? A decade ago, a survivor . I went and laid down next to Deb and just waited to die. One near the bar. Linda Saran still places much of it on the Derderian brothers. Linda Saran and Phil Barr, badly injured, were transported to a local hospital. [48] The capacity for the Station was either 258 or 404, depending on how the building was being used. Jim Axelrod: Describe The Station nightclub for me. He sees his actions as a verdict on his own humanity. He is now seven years sober from cocaine, although alcohol is a more pestering problem, he says. once you could no longer see, it was total pandemonium. It's like a surge of bodies. [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. He was worried about his brother Tracy who worked there as a bouncer. Joshua Sanders, MS, IAAI-CFI on LinkedIn: ATF_NCETR on Twitter 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. WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - Saturday marks the 18-year anniversary of the Station Nightclub fire that left lasting scars on numerous families and the state of Rhode Island. The brothers, however, find that hard to believe considering the foam covered the walls, ceiling and even the inward swinging door he cited as a violation. Jeff Derderian: this is flammable you can't have this. Jeff Derderian: Because in my mind I had nothing to hide. I went over, put my hands against the glass, and I started kicking at that window and it wouldn't break. She got out. Linda Saran still places much of it on the Derderian brothers. So, I said to Deb, "stay here. Those at the nightclub had to act soon, as smoke was visible in the exit doorways in just over one minute. I am proud. [5] Local bands that had played at the Station prior to the fire had used pyrotechnics during their concerts without incident, including a Kiss tribute band that had set off fireballs during their show in August 2002. Robin Petrarca was in New York City three weeks ago, looking for some laughs in a comedy club. [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. Lynch also points out that the exits were a safety issue. 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. [4] Another restaurant opened in the building in 1974. He tells her he wishes that hed tried to extinguish the fire. It was completely preventable. I can only pray that they understand that I would do anything to undo what happened that night and give them back their loved ones. [48] Some victims' families criticized the 48 Hours segment and the Derderians' involvement. [42][43] The Station, which was built in 1946, was exempt from a sprinkler requirement in the state fire code through a grandfather clause, which stated that buildings constructed before 1976 were not required to have a sprinkler system. He said if there's. Scott James: The fire alarm you hear it kick in. Tracy King worked at The Station as a bouncer. "There really weren't that many people around early in the night. Jody King: "Anybody see Tracy?" The trunk bears the names of the fire victims. Michael owned a financial services business; Jeff was a local news reporter. [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. 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. I had the fire extinguisher in my hand, Vanner said. [2] The final tally by The Providence Journal of people inside the Station during the fire totaled 462. And then, ever so slowly, he learned to walk again. [24] Hundreds of firefighters responded to the fire, including every available West Warwick firefighter. In the days after the fire, victims' families and survivors faced a harsh new reality. And so, when the fire inspector came in and said that that door had to come down the door, the door did come down. Since he co-owned The Station nightclub with his brother Michael Derderian, Jeff suggested it as a venue for generic nightclub footage. Jeff Derderian: None of the inspections and then follow-up inspections. REELZ announces documentary about Great White club fire [40][37] Derderian resigned from WPRI on June 30. [57], On September 4, 2007, some families of the fire's victims expressed their support for Biechele's parole. Watch Alive S01:E03 - Station Nightclub Fire Free TV | Tubi The brother's plea deal stated only one of them would go to prison. Her bill was $646 that month, she said. Hundreds of people ran to the only exit many of them knew the way they came in. [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. However, fire professionals have few choices about what training should be provided and training programs are continually updated to incorporate new technologies as well as lessons learned from actual fire experiences. Season 1. I noticed when the pyro stopped, the flame had kept going on both sides. And the following year he was able to accomplish the impossible and rejoin his swim team. Its irrelevant.. I needed for that day to come, she said. 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. The Station was owned by brothers Jeff and Michael Derderian. Jeff Derderian: We tried to get as far as we could. And then, ever so slowly, he learned to walk again. The Station Nightclub Fire: A Horrific First-Person View of the Survivors of the Station nightclub fire reflect on tragedy's 20th anniversary One hundred people were killed and many more injured when a pyrotechnic display caused a massive blaze in 2003.. The Station nightclub fire occurred on the evening of February 20, 2003 at The Station, a nightclub and hard rock music venue in West Warwick, Rhode Island, United States, killing 100 people and injuring 230. It was really everything to me at that time. A surgery to correct a childhood ailment with his ears left him able to balance objects on his chin. Almost immediately the finger pointing started. [103], Inspired by the fire, the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act has been proposed United States Senate and House of Representatives since 2003. [32] The fine was not resolved until 2013, ten years after the fire, when it was upheld by a judge. [38] Derderian had begun working for WPRI on February 17, three days before the fire. Its surreal. Phil Barr: We kind of crouched down behind some of the people in front of us. I couldn't understand him or understand the magnitude of what was going on there. There was a table in the way at the door, and I pulled that out just to get it out of the way so people could get out easier. He was out there, and he just loved being in the center. And I said my hands won't work. The Guest List: Documentary about The Station nightclub fire will It didn't have a lock on it. As the crowd bottlenecked at the clubs entrance, thick black smoke poured out of the building and over their heads. [49] In 2013, Kendall told The Providence Journal that he maintained amicable contact with some survivors, victims' families, and the Station Fire Memorial Foundation. "It feels like somebody knew somebody who was in that fire or knew somebody who did, so the pain is very personal.". [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. Scott James has written a book about the tragedy called "Trial by 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. Jeffrey Derderian received 500 hours of community service. The loss is still fresh for her cousins, she said, even 15 years later. [89] The band raised $185,000 for the Station Family Fund during the tour. Phil Barr fought to breathe on his own. Today marks the 20th anniversary of The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, RI, which killed 100 people. When King arrived, he saw the devastating scene. [22] Biechele used four gerbs that were set to spray sparks 15 feet (4.6m) for fifteen seconds. Monday marked the 20th anniversary of the Station nightclub fire, one of the deadliest blazes to ever occur at a nightclub in the United States. 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. 2021, shooting at a San Jose rail station. The Station nightclub fire: What happened and who's to blame for 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. Her father wont visit the memorial, and it took her years to be able to drive down Cowesett Avenue, she said. 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. The night of the fire, hundreds of people gathered at The Station to see the band Great White. 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 that door being up, there is no question that that increased the likelihood that many, many more would perish. Since I had been there earlier in the night, I knew that there was at least an exit in the back barroom. [12] The rest of the lineup included guitarist Ty Longley, who died in the fire, bass guitarist Dave Felice, and drummer Eric Powers. The roof was caving in, walls were caving in, body after body in front of me. [28], Of the 462 people in the building for the concert, 100 were killed, 230 were injured, and 132 escaped uninjured. The Station Nightclub Fire Tragedy Memorial Site - Legacy.com Like Barr, Linda Saran had also spent three weeks in a medically induced coma. [1] The building that would become The Station was built in 1946 and was originally used as a gin mill. And I never expected it to take off as fast as it did. WEST WARWICK, R.I. The Station nightclub fire, where 100 people died and hundreds more were hurt, will never be forgotten by those who were there or lost loved ones that February night.. [94] Kendall's version of the band holds the copyright for the Great White name. And then the main exit that hallway where everyone came through," explains Scott James. Michael Derderian also spoke via phone to an investigator. [9] American Foam refuted the claims in Warner's fax. and I just kind of went down on my face. 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. That night, he allowed a cameraman to shoot footage inside the club for an upcoming story about safety in public venues. You should be proud." Michael and Jeff Derderian pleaded no contest to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and agreed to a deal. Linda Saran: Second- and-third-degree burns, over 34 percent of my body from the heat. [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. Greatly., Things that bother people you sit there and you shake your head and you go, if this is the worst thing that happens to me today, this month, this year, this decade, I mean, at that point its one of those things. In a statement, Rhode Island Gov. So, before I knew it, this finger was contractured down in this position and the rest of them were all bent backwards because the skin had tightened up.". And I hear [moves her arms to the side with a whoosh] and out Deb went. They are speaking out about the fire for the first time. [90] Russell planned to donate the proceeds to the Station Fire Memorial Foundation, but the organization asked to be disassociated from the concert, citing the animosity still felt by many of the survivors and surviving families. The Station was a nightclub that was located on the corner of Cowesett Avenue and Kulas Road in West Warwick, Rhode Island. "It's hard to describe the level of agony. It is now mandatory for nightclubs with occupancy over 150 to have them. Biechele and Michael Derderian went to prison. Share. The Station nightclub fire - Wikipedia Gina Russo has no clear memory of how, with her hair on fire, she got out of the Station nightclub the night of Feb. 20, 2003. Remembering the Station Nightclub Fire - ICC 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. 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. In the stampede, 21 people were killed. 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?
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