This is a company that did little to educate their employees about the limits of polyurethane foam. 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? [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. I noticed when the pyro stopped, the flame had kept going on both sides. 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. Phil Barr: I went around the people trying to push to the front door. Jim Axelrod: And that's when the despair sinks in. [81] In August 2016, the site was reported to have been being used as a PokeStop in Pokmon Go, to uproar from victims' families. [25] Fire departments in Warwick, Coventry, and Cranston rendered mutual aid to the fire site. But I dont want it to define the rest of my life. It seems like yesterday We were going to get married in June and she passed away in February, Cain told CBS. This page was last edited on 3 March 2023, at 14:21. [tearing up] "What a great brother you have. Jeff Derderian: I don't know. And they played the arenas. [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. That's how thick the smoke was. The Station nightclub fire would become one of the deadliest fires in a club in U.S. history. And I fell down the stairs, out that door. (WJAR) WEST WARWICK . And I stood up. He was granted parole and then released after 22 months. They all later accepted plea deals. [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. 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.. People recall the events of the fourth deadliest night club fire in U.S. history. "[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. Biechele pleaded guilty to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and was sentenced to four years in prison. The Derderians bought the club as an investment. Michael Derderian: The club was sold. 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. if he had done that, then he would have obviously have said to us . [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. Biechele. [49] In 2013, Kendall told The Providence Journal that he maintained amicable contact with some survivors, victims' families, and the Station Fire Memorial Foundation. The Station nightclub owners Michael, left, and Jeffrey Derderian, right, pleaded no contest to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and agreed to a deal. The fire seemed to burn quickly, she added. Jeff Derderian: None of the inspections and then follow-up inspections. [31], Four employees of the Station were killed in the fire. Jody King: He trusted the club. that door being up, there is no question that that increased the likelihood that many, many more would perish. The third started that day. Enduring and remembering: The Station fire 20 years later There was no one coming out the back door anymore. I couldn't play an instrument. [12] The rest of the lineup included guitarist Ty Longley, who died in the fire, bass guitarist Dave Felice, and drummer Eric Powers. 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. 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 story of three survivors that were trapped when the massive Cypress Street viaduct collapsed. [4] Another restaurant opened in the building in 1974. Scott James: You have four exits. Its surreal. [1] The building that would become The Station was built in 1946 and was originally used as a gin mill. 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. 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. [103], Inspired by the fire, the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act has been proposed United States Senate and House of Representatives since 2003. Scott James has written a book about the tragedy called "Trial by Fire.". Tracy King died saving many others the night of the fire. [9], The fire was reported to the West Warwick Fire Department by cellular phone calls to 911 within sixty seconds of ignition[24]. The night of the fire, hundreds of people gathered at The Station to see the band Great White. 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. 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. They didn't even let him talk about it. [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. He was the. The Station Nightclub Fire: A Horrific First-Person View of the Jim Axelrod: Did the contract specify the use of pyrotechnics? Even if he couldnt. my dad was in the room. Phil Barr fought to breathe on his own. Patrick Lynch: Looking back on it I would say they ran it as a side business, an attempt to maybe make some extra money with the callous, utter disregard for those that work there and assemble there. He wrote: "This is a company that is well aware of the dangers of polyurethane foam. Scott James: When people arrive, they walk through this entrance and this kinda longish hallway. ", "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? We talk about fire safety a bit, I dont get too, too far into it.. Station Nightclub Tragedy Revisited Five Years Later | Firehouse Survivors of nightclub fire that killed 100 share stories - FireRescue1 She sees telling the story of the Station fire as a way of preventing others from going through the same thing. So, I actually got a really good sense of the layout of the venue. [62], In a letter to the victims' families, Judge Darigan wrote that he accepted the deal because he wanted to avoid "Public exposition of the tragic, explicit and horrific events experienced by the victims of this fire, both living and dead. The Station Nightclub Fire Tragedy Memorial Site - Legacy.com He sees his actions as a verdict on his own humanity. And I hear [moves her arms to the side with a whoosh] and out Deb went. Tweet. Jim Axelrod: And then it just got engulfed in flames? It looked like it was raining black fire. And I said my hands won't work. The Station nightclub fire: What happened and who's to blame for Barr, who was in his junior year, had dreams of a career on Wall Street and swam competitively for his college swim team. [83], In June 2003, the Station Fire Memorial Foundation (SFMF) was formed with the purpose of purchasing the property, to build and maintain a memorial. JACK RUSSELL [news interview]: We never do anything without asking permission first. I have to find him. They go for 15 seconds and they go 15 feet into the air. And I turned around, I said, "Get out, get out, get to the door, get to the door!" The four exits inside The Station: "There's an exit near the stage an exit through the kitchen. Those at the nightclub had to act soon, as smoke was visible in the exit doorways in just over one minute. Jim Axelrod: When you come to, you're in a hospital room. Linda Saran: When I first went out the window, I landed on the stairs. The trunk bears the names of the fire victims. And I was paying staff pricing for beer because I knew a guy. [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. WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WJAR) Gina Russo, who survived The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick in 2003, spoke with NBC 10's Mario Hilario on the morning of the 20th anniversary of the. View All 100 Memorials for the The Station Nightclub Fire Site. [9] American Foam refuted the claims in Warner's fax. SAVE | California Fire Foundation Everybody just kind of turned. 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. Stay up to date with everything Boston. 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. you could not see your hand in front of your face. Scott James: They only have about 60 seconds to get out of the building if they're going to live. So, I actually got a really good sense of the layout of the venue.". *One SAVE card issued per household that experiences 25% or greater damage to a primary residence. 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. [9] The lack of usable exits were also a factor, as was the inward door that Larocque had found and asked to be removed. Phil Barr: We kind of crouched down behind some of the people in front of us. And then on one side, I noticed it come over the top, and that's when I said, "I have to leave." 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. Linda Saran and her friend Deb were in the atrium, huddled together under a table. And I remember that statement, because I was, like, this is not great. 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. Phil Barr: I asked my pulmonologist, you know, "when can I get back in the pool?" About The Guest List For years, he worked in Boston for Channel 7. That's all I can keep seeing in my head. In September 2008, The Jack Russell Tour Group Inc. offered $1 million in a settlement to survivors and victims' relatives. The fire began as rock band Great White played to the crowd. PATRICK LYNCH [press conference]: We have an investigation on going and we need help, we need answers and I'm trying to get them. Jody King: He was gregarious. Jody King says his brother enjoyed working for the Derderians. Phil Barr: It was getting harder and harder to breathe I could feel tightness and constriction in my chest. Linda Saran still places much of it on the Derderian brothers. The Station was owned by brothers Jeff and Michael Derderian. And it was ugly. It took about five years to come to terms with that, she said. Linda Saran: I said, "you know what? 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. That specific. Jeff Derderian: this is flammable you can't have this. In the months and years that followed, Jody also learned about Tracy's heroic last moments. Michael Derderian: The field test is crystal clear. Last year, he was charged with striking a woman for whom he was a caretaker. I went around back. 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. [92], Russell left Great White in 2010. Jeff Derderian: We feel a sense of guilt about what happened in the sense that you carry the guilt of knowing that these people aren't here anymore, and these people are hurt for the rest of their life. Dan McKee stopped by the memorial on the 20th anniversary of the fire Monday. 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 miss Tina a lot. The first was her life before Feb. 20, 2003. The company paid a hefty settlement and they weren't the only ones. Published on August 10, 2017 09:05 AM. First published on October 23, 2021 / 11:18 PM. As it turns out, the foam they used was highly flammable. 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. I would forgive them in a heartbeat. The brothers have always maintained that they never gave the band permission to use pyrotechnics. Eighteen years later, there is no consensus among survivors when it comes to blame. You walk on the property, and it doesnt feel tragic anymore. These TIAs were subsequently incorporated into the 2006 edition of NFPA 101, along with additional exit requirements for new nightclub occupancies. "[55] Biechele was released in March 2008. [12] Great White's popularity had waned in the decade prior to the Station fire, and they had been performing on a touring circuit of small clubs with capacities of up to 500 people. 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. 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 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, then as it heals, the scarring tightens up. 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. "It feels like somebody knew somebody who was in that fire or knew somebody who did, so the pain is very personal.". REELZ announces documentary about Great White club fire It was that fast. [80], A permanent memorial at the site of the fire has been erected and named the Station Fire Memorial Park. And then we've got the pressure from the judge saying you know, you're going to go to jail for 30 years apiece. Since he co-owned The Station nightclub with his brother Michael Derderian, Jeff suggested it as a venue for generic nightclub footage. Biechele pleaded guilty to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter, and Michael and Jeff Derderian pleaded no contest. 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. Scott James: The fire alarm you hear it kick in. And then the main exit that hallway where everyone came through," explains Scott James. 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]. 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. Scott James: I decided I would start asking some questions. When King arrived, he saw the devastating scene. I figured I was on my own at that point.. 9. [2] Larocque later told the Rhode Island State Police that he had not spotted the polyurethane foam during the November 2002 inspection because he was upset after finding an illegal inward swinging door that he had previously asked to be removed from the building. But that night, leading the cameraman around was bouncer Tracy King, a dedicated husband and father of three young boys. 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. Biechele and Michael Derderian went to prison. So, it was not a great decision to use these inside a nightclub that only has 12-foot ceilings. The Foam.". Michael Derderian: I don't know about that. 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. [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. A staggering 100 lives were lost. Lynch also points out that the exits were a safety issue. They were told to take it down. The crime scene evidence that convicted Alex Murdaugh, How a tragic boating crash is connected to the family of Alex Murdaugh, Five deaths with a connection to Alex Murdaugh's family investigated, Husband of woman murdered with an ax convicted 40 years after her death. Jim Axelrod: To people who feel that the two of you have never said we own this what do you say? Phil Barr: I loved it. Linda Saran and Phil Barr, badly injured, were transported to a local hospital. And I never expected it to take off as fast as it did. During a concert by the rock band Great White, a pyrotechnic display ignited flammable acoustic foam in the walls and ceilings surrounding the stage. 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. [94] Russell's group made its first New England appearance in twelve years at a harvest festival in Mechanic Falls, Maine, in August 2015. [37] The report had been inspired by the E2 nightclub stampede in Chicago that killed 21 people three days earlier. Jim Axelrod: Do you feel, "Oh my goodness, we're in trouble?". 48 Hours show makes no mention of Station nightclub's overcrowding It was really everything to me at that time. This is the main bar where you can get your drinks. Seconds later, flames appeared on the back wall. I come down every year and play the [bagpipes], he told WCVB. People say they just feel peaceful, Russo told the Globe. Share. But the night of the fire it was up to help cut down the noise. As of September 2008, at least $115 million in settlement agreements had been paid, or offered, to the victims or their families by various defendants. Fifteen years since that terrible night. Saran was one of the more than 200 who were seriously hurt in the fire. Michael owned a financial services business; Jeff was a local news reporter. 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. Doreen Schechter and Gary Winter are the editors. 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. To the right is this much larger space in front of a stage. Jim Axelrod: How do you know he went in nine times? Watch Alive S01:E03 - Station Nightclub Fire Free TV | Tubi The brothers have since learned that the fire marshal should have tested the foam on the wall. A decade ago, a survivor . In an exclusive interview with "48 Hours" contributor Jim Axelrod, the Derderians said they wanted to set the record straight and reveal new information about that foam and accountability. [40][37] Derderian resigned from WPRI on June 30. and I tripped over what I assume was a bar stool. 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 [12] Russell's relation with some survivors and families has been strained, although he remains close to Longley's family. The state of Rhode Island is small," says author Scott James. I found my soul was wanting.. So that was huge.. Nine friends didnt. [51], Victims' families have also cited overcrowding in the venue as a cause for the causalities during the fire. I cant do it for the rest of my life, she said. 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. Jody King kneels at his brother Tracy's memorial. Many of the families believed that the punishment was just; others had hoped for a more severe sentence. Michael Derderian: And I'm saying to him "Did everybody get out Did anyone die?" 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. The Guest List is based in part on John Barylick's narrative non-fiction work, killer show, the station nightclub fire, America's deadliest rock concert. We're running out of time." Remembering the Station Nightclub Fire - ICC She wrote a book, meets with burn victims, talks to fire departments and fire safety groups across the country. He wasnt charged with a crime, but his thoughts punish him. I ran across the room and I ran face-first into the wall. Jody King: Hopped out of bed, grabbed my clothes, grabbed my keys, hopped in the car and took off. [33] One survivor claimed that a bouncer blocked a side door as attendees attempted to escape the building, stating the door was only to be used by the band. Its irrelevant.. The Guest List is a strikingly visual film. 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. [24] The first West Warwick fire engine arrived at the scene at 11:13 p.m., followed by three other trucks shortly thereafter. 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. [94] Kendall's version of the band holds the copyright for the Great White name. And then, ever so slowly, he learned to walk again. 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. [89] Kendall said in 2005, "We haven't played that song. That was the most important thing, they didnt freak.. [4] The nightclub was purchased by brothers Michael and Jeffrey Derderian in March 2000. Her father wont visit the memorial, and it took her years to be able to drive down Cowesett Avenue, she said. Flames can be seen on the back wall. Vanner spoke about how his life derailed after 11:07 p.m. on Feb. 20, 2003. 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]. We have an exit through the kitchen. That happened in 2001. Jody King: We never knew the whole story because the trial never happened, so everything really never came out. DANIEL BIECHELE [at sentencing hearing in tears]: I don't know that I will ever forgive myself for what happened that night. [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. She paused, her eyes tearing. 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. Taking her students to the memorial park and telling them what it means were ways of building that memory, she said. Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch opened an investigation and convened a grand jury to determine if anyone should face criminal charges. But then the door would go back up when it was going to be a loud night. Jim Axelrod: Who's responsible for that foam going up on the wall? Club owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian reached a settlement of $813,000 with survivors and victims' families in September 2008. Jeff Derderian: We tried to get as far as we could. 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. [60], Following Biechele's trial, The Station's owners, Michael and Jeffrey Derderian, were scheduled to receive separate trials. Inside The Inferno: The Station Nightclub Fire | Thought Catalog As a result of this and other similar incidents, fire chiefs, fire marshals and inspectors require trained crowd managers to comply with the International Fire Code, NFPA-101 Life Safety Code, NFPA-1 Fire Code and many local ordinances that address safety in public-assembly occupancies.