[24] The first West Warwick fire engine arrived at the scene at 11:13 p.m., followed by three other trucks shortly thereafter. 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. You walk on the property, and it doesnt feel tragic anymore. once you could no longer see, it was total pandemonium. 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 So, it was not a great decision to use these inside a nightclub that only has 12-foot ceilings. Linda Saran: They have said they were sorry. True to his words, Barr fought to breathe on his own. [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. [21] A total of 462 people were in attendance, even though the club's maximum licensed capacity was cited as 404.[2]. But what they received was highly flammable packing foam. But never once do they say, "we screwed up." Now in private practice, Lynch says he looked into a host of people. [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. Dont take life for granted and I miss her every day She was my world and now shes my angel.. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Jody King: I see the horror. The fire seemed to burn quickly, she added. The tragedy, she said, heightened her appreciation of the life she was allowed, for whatever reason, to continue. Russell 's bandmate Ty Longley (guitar) was one of the people who perished in The Station blaze, which became the fourth deadliest fire in U.S. history. The Derderians bought the club as an investment. For the first February in 15 years, Lisa Del Sesto said, she hasnt had the nightmares. it was also on fire. And I said my hands won't work. He still remembers that deadly night. 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. Vanner has no excuses. They were friends. I remember getting pushed from behind. [32] In April 2003, The Derderians were fined $1.07 million for failing to carry workers' compensation insurance for their employees. How did you meet him? [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. [104] The legislation would create a tax incentive for property owners to install fire sprinkler systems. S01:E01 - San Francisco Freeway Collapse. The night of the fire, hundreds of people gathered at The Station to see the band Great White. I have to find him. : In 2021, 48 Hours described the total civil payments to the victims and families as $176 million. 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. [97] Russell raised about $180 from the concert, but the Memorial Foundation refused the donation, a decision supported by Kendall. [9][10][8] At the time of their performance at the Station, Great White only had two of its original members in its lineup: Lead singer Jack Russell and guitarist Mark Kendall. And so, when the fire inspector came in and said that that door had to come down the door, the door did come down. And he says you can. Phil Barr: I loved it. That exit door would soon be engulfed in flames. Father of youngest Station nightclub fire victim questions why owners Phil Barr: We kind of crouched down behind some of the people in front of us. Jody King: He went on David Letterman twice to do Stupid Human Tricks. [49] The tour started five months after the fire, and each concert began with a prayer for survivors and families. And I remember that statement, because I was, like, this is not great. "[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. The charge is pending. [89] Kendall said in 2005, "We haven't played that song. Its surreal. [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. For the first few years she shunned memorial ceremonies but eventually was convinced to go. 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. At the time of the fire, he had just started a new job closer to home in Providence at the local CBS station. But he didn't know what. They want to talk to you." It's not just about hitting the next goal but doing something really meaningful. And people just stood there. Share. 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. Cassidy was questioned by Customs and Border Protection in 2016, three sources familiar with the probe . That is the furthest exit away from the stage But it's a relatively straight line. According to Lynch, under Rhode Island law, the fire marshal could not be criminally charged unless there was evidence of bad faith or malice. Inspection records showed that just three months before the fire, the Derderians had been cited by the local fire marshal for having a secondary, interior door by the stage that opened inward, which violated regulations. My friends were dead, my other friends are severely injured, I no longer look like myself. You were not approaching that area at all. [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. it became very, very hard to breathe. Phil Barr: I couldn't hear alarms. Published on August 10, 2017 09:05 AM. Phil Barr: Being a survivor of The Station nightclub fire is a piece of who I am. So, I said to Deb, "stay here. Great White was part of the lawsuit. That evening she had a girl's night out with a friend while her young daughter was at a sleepover. Scott James has written a book about the tragedy called "Trial by Fire.". So that was huge.. For people to know you can go there now and look at this beautiful park and talk to your person thats what I love about it.. [9] Jeffrey Derderian said the door was also installed due to noise, and they had removed it as asked, but sometimes re-installed it if the venue was going to be loud that night, and it was used by the band to escape the building during the fire. I am proud. Patrick Lynch: Jeffrey and Michael Derderian. [95] When Russell launched his version of the band in 2012, Kendall's group responded that Russell had no right to use the name. In February 2008, Providence television station. I kicked out a side window to try to get people out of there. So, I actually got a really good sense of the layout of the venue. Jeff Derderian: I don't know. Jim Axelrod: How do you know he went in nine times? Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch opened an investigation and convened a grand jury to determine if anyone should face criminal charges. 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. Jim Axelrod: Did either of you know anything about running a nightclub? "There really weren't that many people around early in the night. Her bill was $646 that month, she said. She spoke with the Globe about Jefferey and Michael Derderian, the . As soon as the pyrotechnics stopped, the flame had started on the egg-crate backing behind the stage, and it just went up the ceiling. 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. It's like a surge of bodies. Michael Derderian: Jeffrey was responsible for all the marketing activities. In 2008, the band agreed to pay $1. Seconds later, flames appeared on the back wall. I cant do it for the rest of my life, she said. He trusted in his friends. People recall the events of the fourth deadliest night club fire in U.S. history. On May 20, 2003, nondenominational services began to be held at the site of the fire for a number of months. I never imagined that anyone ever would be. I ran across the room and I ran face-first into the wall. Phil Barr: I remember the smoke descended really quickly. It was already in contract. Both the brothers had other jobs. Jeff Derderian: Because in my mind I had nothing to hide. Jody King: We never knew the whole story because the trial never happened, so everything really never came out. It was criminal, he says. 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. Survivor of The Station nightclub fire reflects on 20th anniversary [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. Nine months after the fire, the club's owners, brothers Jeff and Michael Derderian, along with Daniel Biechele, the band's tour manager, were each charged with 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter. Linda Saran: That's when you make a decision. It was liquid fire. Its just one of those things thats ingrained in you.. [2], In the months prior to the fire, the building had been inspected twice by West Warwick fire marshal Denis Larocque. But I made a choice. A California woman who had been injured in an accident and hadnt left her house in five years wrote her, she said. Phil Barr: You know just have a beer, see a concert. NFPA on LinkedIn: Station Nightclub Fire Survivor Returns to the Scene SAVE | California Fire Foundation He apologized to the families of the victims and made no attempt to mitigate his guilt," the letter said. We're running out of time." He was out there, and he just loved being in the center. I don't care what I'm going to see.". Regardless, Lynch points out the Derderians still chose to take a plea deal instead of going to trial. Joshua Sanders, MS, IAAI-CFI on LinkedIn: ATF_NCETR on Twitter And then the main exit that hallway where everyone came through. Jeff Derderian: You know a day doesn't go by that we don't think about it in some way, shape or form. 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. It is now mandatory for nightclubs with occupancy over 150 to have them. At 55, he lives with his parents and keeps to himself. 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. But she refuses to live in the past. The Foam.". 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. 0:57. [24] Hundreds of firefighters responded to the fire, including every available West Warwick firefighter. Jim Axelrod: And that's when the despair sinks in. He had failed to get a license for the pyrotechnics from the State of Rhode Island and permits from the local fire department. [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. 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. [9], The fire was reported to the West Warwick Fire Department by cellular phone calls to 911 within sixty seconds of ignition[24]. 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. We talk about fire safety a bit, I dont get too, too far into it.. Susan Nicol. Lourdes Aguiar is the senior producer. [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. Jim Axelrod: The fire spread so quickly because rather than fire-retardant sound foam, on the wall of the club was highly flammable packing foam. The Derderians have always maintained that they never gave the band permission to use pyrotechnics. The fire started shortly after Great White began performing their opening number, "Desert Moon". 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. The first time I went to counseling, I made the therapist cry, Del Sesto said. One of the angles Lynch investigated was the Derderian brothers. But instead, I chose to run like a common coward.. She said she went into the club that night a naive, fun-loving 27-year-old and came out angry and feeling guilty. We took shortcuts. A staggering 100 lives were lost. local Four nonstop. Michael Derderian: Remember, I'm still in Florida. When January comes each year, she starts a lesson, delicately, talking about The Station and how there was a fire there. And I'm like, "OK.". 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. Cold air washing over me. DEE SNIDER Defends GREAT WHITE Over Deadly Concert Fire: 'They Would 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.. Dan Biechele, center, at his sentencing. The state of Rhode Island is small," says author Scott James. I don't even like to talk about it. They go for 15 seconds and they go 15 feet into the air. It just so happens that we're evacuated due to the CZU complex fire but hey that's how. Pyrotechnics ignited foam insulation that lined the walls and ceiling around the stage, the National Institute of Standards and Technology concluded. Phil Barr: It was getting harder and harder to breathe I could feel tightness and constriction in my chest. 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. [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. After the investigation ended and prosecutors had no more questions, after reporters stopped calling and the years passed since that deadly night, the man who was the sound technician and stage manager at The Station nightclub was left with his thoughts. Michael Derderian: We do understand that anger and that's that's why we're here with you. It would have been my legacy, Vanner said. 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. And then we've got the pressure from the judge saying you know, you're going to go to jail for 30 years apiece. Things that bring back memories of that night we try to stay away from. It seems like yesterday We were going to get married in June and she passed away in February, Cain told CBS. Survivors of nightclub fire that killed 100 share stories - FireRescue1 Today Phil Barr is married and a father of two little girls. Jeff Derderian: They didn't even bring up the fax to him. you could not see your hand in front of your face. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [9] The lack of usable exits were also a factor, as was the inward door that Larocque had found and asked to be removed. When King arrived, he saw the devastating scene. If they stood up and said, small business owners, we were inexperienced. "[58], Dave Kane and Joanne O'Neill, parents of youngest victim Nicholas O'Neill, released their letter to the board to reporters. [52] Speaking to the public for the first time since the fire, Biechele stated: For three years, I've wanted to be able to speak to the people that were affected by this tragedy, but I know that there's nothing that I can say or do that will undo what happened that night. Robin Petrarca was in New York City three weeks ago, looking for some laughs in a comedy club. The answer is no. Linda will forever wear the scars of that horrible night. And it was ugly. He tells her he wishes that hed tried to extinguish the fire. 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. [92], Russell left Great White in 2010. Kat Teurfs is the associate producer. That was his gift. Biechele and Michael Derderian went to prison. Michael Derderian: Correct. And that's when the crowd realizes this is a real danger and we have to get out of here. Their story starts three years before the fire. [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. But I should have at least tried.. 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. 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? [tears up] And the roof and just everything just fast, too fast. [21] Thick smoke began to fill the station one minute after the ignition and the crowd began to escape the building. On the 19th Anniversary of The Station Nightclub Fire, "America'S 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. Patrick Lynch: They are running the operation. these contracts are pretty specific. [9] In 2008, American Foam agreed to pay $6.3 million to the families of the victims of the fire. 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. Linda Saran: The foam was raining down and the flames are dripping from the ceiling. A surgery to correct a childhood ailment with his ears left him able to balance objects on his chin. 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. The Station Fire: 100 victims in photos - The Providence Journal It justit was so fast. [4] No occupants were in the building during the 1972 fire, but the interior was significantly damaged. I try to say it in the lightest way possible, she said. The Station was owned by brothers Michael and Jeff Derderian. 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? Jeff Derderian: None of the inspections and then follow-up inspections. Linda Saran and Phil Barr, badly injured, were transported to a local hospital. It had to be two minutes tops before the whole place was black smoke. Barr was located between the stage and the front door. And I hear [moves her arms to the side with a whoosh] and out Deb went. [30] Longley reportedly died after returning to the building to retrieve his guitar. I couldn't get up. [84] In September 2012, the owner of the land, Ray Villanova, donated the site to the SFMF. Updated on: October 24, 2021 / 2:07 AM "[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. So many ways this could have been avoided, Matthew Hoffman, an East Greenwich, R.I. resident, told WPRI. So, to the people who think we don't own it I'm telling you, we DO own it ok? Linda Saran: Most of the crowd thought it was part of the show and didn't move. Linda Saran: The night of the fire I got in for free. Multiple injured after shooting at San Jose nightclub | KRON4 And I turned around, I said, "Get out, get out, get to the door, get to the door!" Patrick Lynch: The type of foam was equal to gallons of gasoline. One near the bar. To satisfy noise complaints from neighbors, the brothers had installed foam along the club's walls and ceilings. Patrick Lynch: Did he do his job perfectly? Gina Russo, a survivor of The Station nightclub fire. [48] Some victims' families criticized the 48 Hours segment and the Derderians' involvement. 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.