On May 20, 2003, nondenominational services began to be held at the site of the fire for a number of months. Today marks the 20th anniversary of The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, RI, which killed 100 people. Robin Petrarca was in New York City three weeks ago, looking for some laughs in a comedy club. 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 if we could change it, we would. These TIAs were subsequently incorporated into the 2006 edition of NFPA 101, along with additional exit requirements for new nightclub occupancies. Barr says when he came to, he felt excruciating pain near the base of his spine and burning on his face. 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. Linda Saran: I could have missed it all. Now in private practice, Lynch says he looked into a host of people. "We never knew the whole story because the trial never happened, so everything really never came out," says Jody King, whose brother worked at The Station as a bouncer. Last year, he was charged with striking a woman for whom he was a caretaker. Vanner spoke about how his life derailed after 11:07 p.m. on Feb. 20, 2003. Within six minutes, the entire building was engulfed in flames. True to his words, Barr fought to breathe on his own. [21] The Station did not have a sprinkler system installed. [51], Victims' families have also cited overcrowding in the venue as a cause for the causalities during the fire. And he's like he don't know. [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. Del Sesto said her life is told in three chapters now. [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. [48] Some victims' families criticized the 48 Hours segment and the Derderians' involvement. I refused to accept that as the outcome. I couldn't play an instrument. They would want to talk, she said, and they wouldnt freak. Nightclub Fire", "WHJY, Clear Channel offer $22M Station fire settlement", "Service recalls victims of nightclub fire - Feb. 25, 2003", "Families visit scene of deadly nightclub fire - Feb. 24, 2003", "Concert for nightclub fire survivors nets $25K", "Governor McKee Statement on 20th Anniversary of Station Nightclub Fire | Governor's Office, State of Rhode Island", "Station Nightclub Fire Memorial On Track For 2016 Opening", "Timeline: Station Nightclub Fire, 15 year anniversary", "Station nightclub site will no longer be Pokemon Go destination", "Owner of burned RI club donates land for memorial", "Job Lot customers respond to Station Fire Memorial drive", "Memorial park dedicated to victims of Station Nightclub Fire", "Great White: Performing again is the right thing", "Providence nightclub fire charity rebuffs Great White singer", "After the fire: Great White, survivors live with the horror of Rhode Island tragedy", "Rhode Island Club Fire Tragedy Revisited with Members of Rock Band Great White", "Now There's Two Versions Of Great White | Metal Insider", "After The Fire: Feelings mixed and emotions high as Jack Russell's Great White return to New England", "Great White And Jack Russell Reach Agreement Over Use Of Band Name", "Great White singer's fire memorial concert nixed", "Mohegan Sun postpones Great White concert booked close to Station fire anniversary", "Documentary on youngest Station victim to be aired", "Films by RIC Alum Are Among Station Nightclub Fire Tributes", National Fire Protection Association web page "Nightclubs/assembly occupancies", Guide to the Station Nightclub Victims' Collection from the Rhode Island State Archives, Great Zeppelin: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Station_nightclub_fire&oldid=1142630889, Building and structure fires in the United States, February 2003 events in the United States, Fire disasters involving barricaded escape routes, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2013, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. As numerous violations of existing codes contributed to the severity of the fire, there was immediate effort to strengthen fire code protections. That exit door would soon be engulfed in flames. The Derderians have always maintained that they never gave the band permission to use pyrotechnics. So, it was very quickly they were in the circle of people we should look at. 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. It had to be two minutes tops before the whole place was black smoke. there was nothing that would make it so you couldn't get out of it. I had no control over my muscles. MICHAEL DERDERIAN [at sentencing hearing]: There is so much pain and heartache that happened on our doorstep. 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.. It was criminal, he says. Jeff Derderian: They didn't even bring up the fax to him. Jody King: I'm so proud to say he's my brother. 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. Jim Axelrod: To people who feel that the two of you have never said we own this what do you say? Phil Barr: I asked my pulmonologist, you know, "when can I get back in the pool?" Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Jim Axelrod: There are so many people still to this day angry that the case didn't go to trial. Her fianc, Alfred Freddy Crisostomi, who was behind her, pushing her toward the door, perished. Jody King says his brother enjoyed working for the Derderians. Phil Barr: I went around the people trying to push to the front door. Station Fire Memorial Park, a permanent memorial to the victims of the fire, was opened in May 2017 at the site where the Station once stood. How he went from being a man with a job he loved and friends, to someone struggling with sobriety and guilt, suffering flashbacks at fire alarms and smoke-like fog. Scott James: The fire alarm you hear it kick in. The tragedy, she said, heightened her appreciation of the life she was allowed, for whatever reason, to continue. We couldn't make it. 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.". 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. You take one square inch of the foam, you hold it up with a roach clip and light it on fire with a wooden match. Many of the families believed that the punishment was just; others had hoped for a more severe sentence. [28], Of the 462 people in the building for the concert, 100 were killed, 230 were injured, and 132 escaped uninjured. JACK RUSSELL [news interview]: Rock and Roll is supposed to be fun, not deadly you know. It looked like a ladder of those black jelly bracelets from the 80s hanging in rings around my wrists. It didn't have a lock on it. Produced by Betsy Shuller and Chris Young Ritzen. On February 20, 2003 at about 11:10 p.m., Jody King got a call that something was going on at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island. [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. [29] The initial death toll was 96 people; Four more individuals died in the hospital in the weeks following, bringing the toll to 100. [32] The fine was not resolved until 2013, ten years after the fire, when it was upheld by a judge. That effort raised about $10,000 over seven years to help pay for the construction of the memorial park. Patrick Lynch: Jeffrey and Michael Derderian. A West Warwick police officer who was already at the scene also reported the fire to police dispatch. [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: You know a day doesn't go by that we don't think about it in some way, shape or form. Patrick Lynch: The defendant had every right to go to trial and say, hey, if it's this mysterious fax that it's trying to be referenced today, 18 years later, hey, this is important. [95], Russell performed a benefit show in February 2013 in Hermosa Beach, California in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the fire. The first time I went to counseling, I made the therapist cry, Del Sesto said. [4] In 1985, it was converted to a pub, which closed sometime in the late 1980s, and a nightclub was opened in its place in 1991. View All 100 Memorials for the The Station Nightclub Fire Site. Within weeks, the National Fire Protection Association committee met to regulate code for "assembly occupancies." Jody King: He ran in and came out nine times in 90 seconds. Eighteen years later, there was no consensus among survivors when it comes to blame. SAN JOSE (BCN) - Three people were injured in a shooting that occurred Saturday morning at San Jose's Aura nightclub. She had a cellphone that was working and handed it off to anyone who needed to call home and let their family know they were safe. He was the. Because so many people that were there don't have that opportunity. [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. 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. [94] Russell's group made its first New England appearance in twelve years at a harvest festival in Mechanic Falls, Maine, in August 2015. [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. 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.". On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. After the fire, multiple civil and criminal cases were filed. Linda Saran: I said, "you know what? People say they just feel peaceful, Russo told the Globe. The roof was caving in, walls were caving in, body after body in front of me. How is it our responsibility if they gave us the wrong foam?". Phil Barr: I don't like to talk about it, but I remember feeling weight on top of me, and I'm pretty sure I crawled out from under another person to pull myself up. [tearing up] "What a great brother you have. Linda will forever wear the scars of that horrible night. Jim Axelrod: If the brothers are relying on the fire marshal to tell them whether or not they can continue to do business. At least 64 others were also sued, including the state of Rhode Island citedforthe fire inspector's failure to report the flammable foam during multiple inspections. He got a tire iron from his car, smashed the glass, and started pulling people out. [78], On the twentieth anniversary of the fire on February 20, 2023, Rhode Island governor Dan McKee ordered flags in Rhode Island lowered to half-staff for the day and the Rhode Island State House to be illuminated in memory of the 100 victims. Follow Boston.com on Instagram (Opens in a New Tab), Follow Boston.com on Twitter (Opens in a New Tab), Like Boston.com on Facebook (Opens in a New Tab), R.I. State House homeless encampment removed after legal fight, After the 80th anniversary of the tragic fire, a Cocoanut Grove memorial is coming to Boston, This affordable airline says it will bring at least 20 routes to an R.I. airport. 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. He had failed to get a license for the pyrotechnics from the State of Rhode Island and permits from the local fire department. Patrick Lynch: The type of foam was equal to gallons of gasoline. They want to talk to you." This is a massive part of my life. That's how thick the smoke was. [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. To the right is this much larger space in front of a stage. "48 Hours" has confirmed the fax wasnotpresented to the grand jury. He trusted the owners. "[23] Within 40 seconds of the ignition, Great White had stopped playing and left the stage and the venue's fire alarm began to sound, but it was not connected to local fire department. I would see the burn survivors, whom Im lucky enough to call friends, Del Sesto said. "[58] The state parole board received approximately twenty letters, the majority of which expressed their sympathy and support for Biechele, some going as far as to describe him as a "scapegoat" with limited responsibility. Those at the nightclub had to act soon, as smoke was visible in the exit doorways in just over one minute. [104] The legislation would create a tax incentive for property owners to install fire sprinkler systems. Superior Court Judge Francis J. Darigan Jr. sentenced Biechele to fifteen years in prison, with four to serve and eleven years suspended, plus three years' probation, for his role in the fire. It's not just about hitting the next goal but doing something really meaningful. You bury nine people in a period of less than two weeks, she said, and yeah, I think it affects you. He trusted in his friends. Marc Goldbaum is the development producer. As Great White started their first song, their tour manager Daniel Biechele set off four large fireworks called gerbs. The Guest List: The Station Nightclub Fire, America's Deadliest Rock Concert will premiere on Sunday, February 20, 2022. That specific. [24] The first West Warwick fire engine arrived at the scene at 11:13 p.m., followed by three other trucks shortly thereafter. The Foam.". [103], Inspired by the fire, the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act has been proposed United States Senate and House of Representatives since 2003. "There really weren't that many people around early in the night. American Foam said Warner's claims about the company are false. I never imagined that anyone ever would be. The brothers decided that because Jeff had young kids, Michael would go. [94] Kendall's version of Great White was to perform at the Mohegan Sun casino in Uncasville, Connecticut alongside Stryper and Steven Adler on March 25, 2023, but the venue indefinitely postponed the concert on March 2, citing its proximity to the twentieth anniversary of the fire. The Derderians say that in the three years they owned the club, no one ever questioned the safety of the foam. Published on August 10, 2017 09:05 AM. We screwed up." But the night of the fire it was up to help cut down the noise. And yet, at the point in time, I don't think I knew his name. The Station was a nightclub that was located on the corner of Cowesett Avenue and Kulas Road in West Warwick, Rhode Island. And I was responsible for the day to day. I'll be right back." Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Gina Russo, who was in The Station on Feb. 20, 2003, barely made it out. As it turns out, the foam they used was highly flammable. Judy Tygard is the executive producer. In the aftermath, West Warwick, Rhode Island TV news reporter Jeff Derderian wanted to run a story on nightclub safety. But many, including the brothers, feel strongly Laroque should also have been charged. Jim Axelrod: And that's when the despair sinks in. At least 12 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, The Saturday Six: Dental device controversy, scientist's bug find and more, Trump speaks at CPAC after winning straw poll, 3 children killed, 2 others wounded at Texas home, Man charged for alleged involvement in 2 transformer explosions, Nikki Haley slams potential GOP contenders, and Trump and George W. Bush, Duo of 81-year-old women plan to see the world in 80 days, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant to "take some time away" from the team after allegedly brandishing a gun in a club, Alex Murdaugh trial: What to know about the double murder case. The fire left her with burns over 40 percent of her body, it incinerated her hair. According to Lynch, under Rhode Island law, the fire marshal could not be criminally charged unless there was evidence of bad faith or malice. He don't know. Dont take life for granted and I miss her every day She was my world and now shes my angel.. Both the brothers had other jobs. It started as part of the fundraising basketball games she organized at the school. So, the only way to pick up a can of soda would be to do this [lifting both arms out parallel in front of her]. Linda Saran was a regular at The Station. Editor's Note: This story was originally published on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018. They are speaking out about the fire for the first time. Jody King: I see the horror. He wrote: "This is a company that is well aware of the dangers of polyurethane foam. The night of the fire Jeff Derderian gave a statement to the local police and another one to an investigator with the Attorney General's Office. Linda Saran and her friend Deb were in the atrium, huddled together under a table. They promoted the event. 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. This article was originally published on Oct. 22, 2021. And 18 years after the fire, the brothers say they want to set the record straight and reveal new information. But Saturday night, as . "[63] He added that the difference in the brothers' sentences reflected their respective involvement with the purchase and installation of the flammable foam. Tracy King died saving many others the night of the fire. The story of three survivors that were trapped when the massive Cypress Street viaduct collapsed. Obviously the nightclub was not in compliance, and there never should have been pyrotechnics, but there's no evidence the bouncers blocked people from . Jim Axelrod: And then it just got engulfed in flames? He wasnt charged with a crime, but his thoughts punish him. You see on your left the horseshoe-shaped bar. It took about five years to come to terms with that, she said. The night of the fire, hundreds of people gathered at The Station to see Great White, an 80s band now with some new members lead by singer Jack Russell and known mainly for their hit "Once Bitten, Twice Shy. [31], Four employees of the Station were killed in the fire. Barr was now outside, but he felt like his lungs were on fire. View Image Gallery. There was no one coming out the back door anymore. She paused, her eyes tearing. He had an unlikely friend rooting for him. Today, we mourn the 100 lives lost in the Station nightclub fire and the hundreds more whose lives will never be the same. Jeffrey Derderian received 500 hours of community service. that door being up, there is no question that that increased the likelihood that many, many more would perish. Dan Biechele, center, at his sentencing. 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 [9] The ensuing crowd crush in the narrow hallway led to that exit being blocked completely and resulted in numerous deaths and injuries among the patrons and staff. [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]. Linda Saran: When I first went out the window, I landed on the stairs. Mon, February 20th 2023, 8:29 PM PST. Phil Barr: I loved 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]. This is solid gasoline. Purchase and sale had been signed. ", "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. This trial was scheduled to start May 1, 2006, but Biechele, against his lawyers' advice,[52] pleaded guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter on February 7, 2006, in what he said was an effort to "bring peace, I want this to be over with."[52]. 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. [30] Longley reportedly died after returning to the building to retrieve his guitar. He said if there's. Jeff Derderian: I don't know. They all later accepted plea deals. [9], The fire was reported to the West Warwick Fire Department by cellular phone calls to 911 within sixty seconds of ignition[24]. [21] The flames were initially thought to be part of the act; only as the fire reached the ceiling and smoke began to bank down did people realize it was uncontrolled. [9] The lack of usable exits were also a factor, as was the inward door that Larocque had found and asked to be removed. PATRICK LYNCH [news interview]: Certainly, there are people we are looking at, ultimately, we may target. I never wanted anyone to be hurt in any way. Fifteen years since that terrible night. it was happening so fast, fast, fast, fast. Michael Derderian: Jeffrey was responsible for all the marketing activities. [101], The Derderian brothers conducted their first television interview about the fire in 2021 for 48 Hours. Vanner doesnt know when the night will be over. Bruce Cain also lost someone who he was prepared to spend the rest of his life with. I had the fire extinguisher in my hand, Vanner said. When January comes each year, she starts a lesson, delicately, talking about The Station and how there was a fire there. [82] The stop was removed from the game by developer Niantic later that month. She took a photograph of the stone of a man who died and sent it to his daughter in California. Susan Nicol. I noticed when the pyro stopped, the flame had kept going on both sides. Jeff Derderian: I remember we were trying to get people away from the building. He don't know. Phil Barr [teary-eyed]: Getting another opportunity to live my life came with enormous responsibility. She got out. It looked like it was raining black fire. 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.. But it's fun. once you could no longer see, it was total pandemonium. For more information on your department or district joining the SAVE program click here or contact the California Fire Foundation at save@cpf.org or (916) 641-1707. But I made a choice. Season 1. But that night, leading the cameraman around was bouncer Tracy King, a dedicated husband and father of three young boys. And I stood up. he was very kind about it, but he said, "I don't ever see you competitively swimming again." 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. [22] Biechele used four gerbs that were set to spray sparks 15 feet (4.6m) for fifteen seconds. The trunk bears the names of the fire victims. I am proud. We have an exit through the kitchen. [102] It is left for each state or local jurisdiction to legally enact and enforce the current code changes. ", "Fire in a nightclub: the band; group persevered by making circuit of smaller clubs", "How tragedy inspired one member of Great White", "Rhode Island Remembers Victims Of Deadly GREAT WHITE Concert Fire", "Club, band dispute permission to use fireworks - Feb. 22, 2003", "Memories sear survivor of fire that killed 100 in 2003", "Parents mourn loss of only child in nightclub fire, but cherish time they had after first near-death experience", "Radio station to remain in fire lawsuits", "Clear Channel agrees to pay $22 million to nightclub fire victims", "Portraits of people who died in the R.I. nightclub fire", "Timeline: What happened the night of the Station nightclub fire? 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? They should have blamed more. Isn't that an important fact in determining who's at fault? Linda Saran: They have said they were sorry. CBS Boston Rhode Island Gov. You were not approaching that area at all. Daniel Biechele, the tour manager for Great White who had ignited the pyrotechnics, plead guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter in 2006 and was sentenced to fifteen years in prison with four to serve. But he didn't know what. That is the furthest exit away from the stage But it's a relatively straight line. [86][87] The memorial dedication ceremony took place on May 21, 2017. I was asked to work the merch table for the band, so I was getting 40 bucks and two T-shirts. They go for 15 seconds and they go 15 feet into the air. Phil Barr: and I felt the door and I just heaved my shoulder into it. [89] Kendall said in 2005, "We haven't played that song. It was there, she said, that she found the best therapists: others who had been in the fire. He still remembers that deadly night. But 15 years later, she said, its time for her to move out of its shadow. And I remember that statement, because I was, like, this is not great. 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. I said to myself, we gotta go. "We have 39 confirmed fatalities, and we are still in the process of searching the rubble. That evening she had a girl's night out with a friend while her young daughter was at a sleepover. Linda Saran: It's like a riptide. He was granted parole and then released after 22 months. I did not lead them out, he said dismissively. Michael Derderian: I don't know about that. Witnesses of the nearly mile-wide tornado recount how they managed to survive.