fine against Station Nightclub owners upheld", "Station nightclub fire survivor tells how she's moved on in new book", "The Station fire took emotional toll on survivors, study finds", "Tentative $30 million deal in R. I. nightclub fire", "TV station that assigned reporter to cover his own nightclub raises ethical issue", "Station Video Spurs Lawsuit - Pollstar News", "Nightclub owner resigns from WPRI television", "Report of the Technical Investigation of The Station Nightclub Fire: Appendices (NIST NCSTAR 2), Volume 2", "Grand Jury Convened to Probe Deadly R.I. [32] In April 2003, The Derderians were fined $1.07 million for failing to carry workers' compensation insurance for their employees. . [2] The follow-up inspection in December 2002 also did not cite the foam, and the inspector gave the building an "All OK" rating on his inspection form. And that's when it starts to hit you all that you've lost. But when Warner was called before the grand jury, he was not asked about the allegations he made in the fax. This is a massive part of my life. Michael Derderian: I don't know about that. Jim Axelrod: Do you feel, "Oh my goodness, we're in trouble?". There isn't a guilt in terms of like, that we knowingly did this or or caused it but there's a guilt that we it happened on our watch, happened on our watch. JACK RUSSELL [news interview]: Rock and Roll is supposed to be fun, not deadly you know. [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. They were friends. [94] Russell's group made its first New England appearance in twelve years at a harvest festival in Mechanic Falls, Maine, in August 2015. 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. [13], In February 2003, Great White was on an eighteen date concert tour, and they had been using a pyrotechnic display during their performances that some club owners had denied them permission to use, citing safety concerns. You walk on the property, and it doesnt feel tragic anymore. It is now mandatory for nightclubs with occupancy over 150 to have them. Jeff Derderian: There's so many things that factor into the decision to do that. That's when I turned back. He got a tire iron from his car, smashed the glass, and started pulling people out. that door being up, there is no question that that increased the likelihood that many, many more would perish. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. [90] The band initially retired "Desert Moon", the song they were performing when the fire began, from their concert set list. Since I had been there earlier in the night, I knew that there was at least an exit in the back barroom. 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. Jeff Derderian: I remember we were trying to get people away from the building. Michael Derderian: The field test is crystal clear. Everybody just kind of turned. An off-duty police officer standing outside had heard her kicking at the window. [59], Biechele's parole and probation expired in March 2011. 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. Eighteen years later, there is no consensus among survivors when it comes to blame. [60], Following Biechele's trial, The Station's owners, Michael and Jeffrey Derderian, were scheduled to receive separate trials. Editor's Note: This story was originally published on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018. Jim Axelrod: There are so many people still to this day angry that the case didn't go to trial. I could have missed that My friends that didn't survive that night have missed that. And I was responsible for the day to day. These are videos of prior performances taken inside the club. It was like what? Jeff Derderian: We tried to get as far as we could. [35], The fire, from its inception, was caught on videotape by cameraman Brian Butler for WPRI-TV of Providence, and the beginning of that tape was released to national news stations. Today, we mourn the 100 lives lost in the Station nightclub fire and the hundreds more whose lives will never be the same. But the night of the fire it was up to help cut down the noise. He trusted the owners. Jason Hahn. ", "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 went out on a Thursday night to listen to music, drink some beers and have a good time. [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. When I turned around, some people were already trying to leave, and others were just sitting there going, "Yeah, that's great!" I don't know that I'll ever forgive myself for what happened that night, so I can't expect anybody else to. 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, So many ways this could have been avoided, Matthew Hoffman, an East Greenwich, R.I. resident, told WPRI. Jim Axelrod: Did the contract specify the use of pyrotechnics? The second was the time from that night until the dedication of the memorial last spring. Pyrotechnics ignited foam insulation that lined the walls and ceiling around the stage, the National Institute of Standards and Technology concluded. So, it was very quickly they were in the circle of people we should look at. [95], Russell performed a benefit show in February 2013 in Hermosa Beach, California in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the fire. there are other people who should be responsible. That was his gift. Jim Axelrod: If the brothers are relying on the fire marshal to tell them whether or not they can continue to do business. Michael Derderian: No. then as it heals, the scarring tightens up. The Station was a nightclub that was located on the corner of Cowesett Avenue and Kulas Road in West Warwick, Rhode Island. Jody King: "Anybody see Tracy?" "48 Hours" is not showing any of that footage. And 18 years after the fire, the brothers say they want to set the record straight and reveal new information. At 55, he lives with his parents and keeps to himself. To the right is this much larger space in front of a stage. Jody King: I see the horror. He threw my wife, my cousin, my uncle, my sister out a window." [30] Longley reportedly died after returning to the building to retrieve his guitar. Since he co-owned The Station nightclub with his brother Michael Derderian, Jeff suggested it as a venue for generic nightclub footage. WEST WARWICK, R.I. The owners of The Station nightclub say their decision to finally speak publicly about the deadly fire there nearly . Absolutely not. Both the brothers had other jobs. Phil Barr: Being a survivor of The Station nightclub fire is a piece of who I am. She took a photograph of the stone of a man who died and sent it to his daughter in California. I am proud. As numerous violations of existing codes contributed to the severity of the fire, there was immediate effort to strengthen fire code protections. Things that bring back memories of that night we try to stay away from. I couldn't hear screaming anymore. 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. [24] The first West Warwick fire engine arrived at the scene at 11:13 p.m., followed by three other trucks shortly thereafter. Its surreal. Jim Axelrod: And that's when the despair sinks in. In February 2006 three years after the station nightclub burned down many in Rhode Island were shocked to learn that instead of a trial, a plea deal had been reached with Daniel Biechele, the tour manager for the band Great White. 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. 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. In 2003, 100 people died and over 200 were injured at a rock concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island. It's like a surge of bodies. Biechele pleaded guilty to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and was sentenced to four years in prison. You were not approaching that area at all. Scott James: They are what they call 15x15. 2021, shooting at a San Jose rail station. I said to myself, we gotta go. A true hero would have gone for it, Vanner said. Nine friends didnt. I went and laid down next to Deb and just waited to die. [76] Another memorial was later that night the West Warwick Civic Center. Patrick Lynch: Did he do his job perfectly? [28] By 1:30 a.m. on February 21, all patients had been transported and the street had been cleared. And by then, the black smoke was pouring out over their heads. Last year, he was charged with striking a woman for whom he was a caretaker. It was there, she said, that she found the best therapists: others who had been in the fire. The club was sold. 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. On May 20, 2003, nondenominational services began to be held at the site of the fire for a number of months. He don't know. I don't care what I'm going to see.". you could not see your hand in front of your face. These TIAs were subsequently incorporated into the 2006 edition of NFPA 101, along with additional exit requirements for new nightclub occupancies. The first was her life before Feb. 20, 2003. 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. He was worried about his brother Tracy who worked there as a bouncer. That was the most important thing, they didnt freak.. Jim Axelrod: Did you have enough time to form those complete thoughts? And I said my hands won't work. As the crowd bottlenecked at the clubs entrance, thick black smoke poured out of the building and over their heads. [9], The fire was reported to the West Warwick Fire Department by cellular phone calls to 911 within sixty seconds of ignition[24]. Linda Saran and Phil Barr, badly injured, were transported to a local hospital. Hundreds of people ran to the only exit many of them knew the way they came in. The result is poignant footage contrasting very different life stories. Jim Axelrod: And then it just got engulfed in flames? This is a company that did little to educate their employees about the limits of polyurethane foam. I'll be right back." It started as part of the fundraising basketball games she organized at the school. 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. But what they received was highly flammable packing foam. MICHAEL DERDERIAN: I plead not guilty, your honor. And then the main exit that hallway where everyone came through. Jody King: He ran in and came out nine times in 90 seconds. Jim Axelrod: Did either of you know anything about running a nightclub? The Derderians have always maintained that they never gave the band permission to use pyrotechnics. [86][87] The memorial dedication ceremony took place on May 21, 2017. 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. I went around back. Jeff Derderian: That door was opened immediately and that's where the band went out. [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. And outside I went. But even more than walking, Phil wanted to return to swimming. Today Phil Barr is married and a father of two little girls. It's not just about hitting the next goal but doing something really meaningful. The Station nightclub fire would become one of the deadliest fires in a club in U.S. history. He said if there's. 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. In the end, the survivors and victims' families settled for a total of $176 million. Linda Saran: I could have missed it all. That specific. Linda will forever wear the scars of that horrible night. And I fell down the stairs, out that door. It was completely preventable. The brother's plea deal stated only one of them would go to prison. Vanner spoke about how his life derailed after 11:07 p.m. on Feb. 20, 2003. Scott James: I decided I would start asking some questions. I would forgive them in a heartbeat. Susan Nicol. Barr was located between the stage and the front door. We haven't played it since then and probably never will. "It's hard to describe the level of agony. 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. Scott James: It should not have happened. I've been after this bike for over 4 years and I finally got the call! The Guest List: The Station Nightclub Fire, America's Deadliest Rock Concert will premiere on Sunday, February 20, 2022. it became very, very hard to breathe. It seems senseless that something like this could happen. Season 1. [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. Phil Barr: I remember the smoke descended really quickly. It was already in contract. Scott James: You have four exits. [37] The report had been inspired by the E2 nightclub stampede in Chicago that killed 21 people three days earlier. Jody King: I'm so proud to say he's my brother. American Foam Corporation, who sold the insulation to The Station nightclub, agreed in 2008 to pay $6.3 million to settle lawsuits relating to the fire. Phil Barr: I asked my pulmonologist, you know, "when can I get back in the pool?" You should be proud." Linda Saran: They have said they were sorry. 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? 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. Robin Petrarca was in New York City three weeks ago, looking for some laughs in a comedy club. Obviously the nightclub was not in compliance, and there never should have been pyrotechnics, but there's no evidence the bouncers blocked people from . After 15 years of it being a dominant part of her everyday life, she said she is ready for it to be a part of her past. 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. To the families of those who died on that devastating day: Rhode Island will never forget your loved ones and we will always stand by you, McKee said in the statement. He apologized to the families of the victims and made no attempt to mitigate his guilt," the letter said. They all say I never would have stopped it, and I probably wouldnt have. And then we've got the pressure from the judge saying you know, you're going to go to jail for 30 years apiece. [32] The fine was not resolved until 2013, ten years after the fire, when it was upheld by a judge. Eighteen years later, there was no consensus among survivors when it comes to blame. These days, she uses her job as a teacher at John F. Deering Middle School to make it so those who didnt suffer so directly will remember it too. [7][8] They were best known for their 1989 cover of Ian Hunter's "Once Bitten, Twice Shy", which reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100. You bury nine people in a period of less than two weeks, she said, and yeah, I think it affects you. They said a critical piece of evidence was never presented to the grand jury. He was out there, and he just loved being in the center. More than 460 fans had crowded into the wooden, single-story, 4,480 -square-foot nightclub known as The Station in West Warwick, R.I., to enjoy a Thursday night show on Feb. 20, 2003. When January comes each year, she starts a lesson, delicately, talking about The Station and how there was a fire there. 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. 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. They want to talk to you." Joe Kinan was badly burned in the deadly Station Nightclub fire in Rhode Island that left 100 dead and 230 injured in February 2003 . 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. One of the angles Lynch investigated was the Derderian brothers. Now in private practice, Lynch says he looked into a host of people. Taking her students to the memorial park and telling them what it means were ways of building that memory, she said. Shed read Russos book, about how the fire left her a bald chick, and it convinced her to go back out into the world. The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I., was on fire . Jim Axelrod: When you come to, you're in a hospital room. [tears up] And the roof and just everything just fast, too fast. They were told to take it down. 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. Michael Derderian: They got this fax and it went on to describe the business practices of the foam company. Jeff Derderian: None of the inspections and then follow-up inspections. DANIEL BIECHELE [at sentencing hearing in tears]: I don't know that I will ever forgive myself for what happened that night. And he's like he don't know. [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. 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. Michael Derderian: We say that they we're sorry for all of it. Michael Derderian: Remember, I'm still in Florida. And I never expected it to take off as fast as it did. 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 It fuels you. there was nothing that would make it so you couldn't get out of it. Jody King: He was gregarious. The company paid a hefty settlement and they weren't the only ones. And I knew the window was to my left. The Guest List is a strikingly visual film. [28], Of the 462 people in the building for the concert, 100 were killed, 230 were injured, and 132 escaped uninjured. One hundred people died, and hundreds more suffered. Dan Biechele, center, at his sentencing. [94] Kendall's version of the band holds the copyright for the Great White name. Jeff Derderian: this is flammable you can't have this. And that song reminds us of that night. S01:E03 - Station Nightclub Fire. my dad was in the room. Within weeks, the National Fire Protection Association committee met to regulate code for "assembly occupancies." Regardless, Lynch points out the Derderians still chose to take a plea deal instead of going to trial. Those at the nightclub had to act soon, as smoke was visible in the exit doorways in just over one minute. And he says you can. He spent 33 months in prison, while Jeff had to do 500 hours of community service. Patrick Lynch: I can't remember, honestly. It was that fast. [88], Russell considered disbanding Great White after the fire, but reconsidered when he decided to embark on a benefit tour. As we mark 20 years since that night, here are those who. That's what the code says. The answer is no. But their plans for the future would suddenly change. Barr, who was in his junior year, had dreams of a career on Wall Street and swam competitively for his college swim team. They promoted the event. 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. [2], Prior to the fire, the Station often hosted concerts by 1980s hard rock groups and tribute bands. 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. [76] The Rhode Island state fire code was changed after the fire to require every nightclub in the state with a capacity of over 150 people to have a sprinkler system installed.[3]. Todd King, a founder of The Station Family Fund, said today the fund . Michael and Jeff Derderian pleaded no contest to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and agreed to a deal. And I stood up. And then on one side, I noticed it come over the top, and that's when I said, "I have to leave." 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.. Honored to have been able to attend such an in depth and eye opening training opportunity. Jeffrey Derderian received 500 hours of community service. [18][19] Gonsalves was the host of the WHJY program The Metal Zone, at the time the longest-running heavy metal radio program in the United States. [95] When Russell launched his version of the band in 2012, Kendall's group responded that Russell had no right to use the name. Linda Saran: My hospital roommate, he and I took turns driving the respiratory therapist crazy in some ways it's almost like being in war together. When King arrived, he saw the devastating scene. [38] Derderian had begun working for WPRI on February 17, three days before the fire. local Four nonstop. Flames were seen breaking through a part of the roof in less than five minutes. Out of it. That effort raised about $10,000 over seven years to help pay for the construction of the memorial park. A West Warwick police officer who was already at the scene also reported the fire to police dispatch. 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. So, I said to Deb, "stay here. I couldn't hear noise. "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. 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. It all started around 11 p.m. when the rock band Jack Russell's Great White took the stage and the group's tour manager, Daniel Biechele, set off four large fireworks called gerbs. Patrick Lynch: First of all, I think it's pathetic, disgusting and unsettling to think that they're even speaking now The foam that they put up had a direct impact on the survivability of the bulk of the people that were assembled that night. some bleeding I could notice in my throat. [11] For the 2003 tour, the band was billed as "Jack Russell's Great White". But, you know, they have this following to this day . Jody King: He went on David Letterman twice to do Stupid Human Tricks. Judy Tygard is the executive producer. And they're quick to point out the club was inspected by their insurance company, and multiple times by the local Fire Marshal Denis Laroque. The third started that day. [44] The NIST report was released on March 3, 2005 and was made available in two parts on June 30, 2005. 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. I went over, put my hands against the glass, and I started kicking at that window and it wouldn't break. He doesn't know. I thought how terrible it was that my daughter was going to grow up without her mom. 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. That's how thick the smoke was. [9] Michael Derderian told 48 Hours that it was "Undisputable" that the building's use of flammable packing foam instead of flame retardant sound foam was the cause of the fire's spread, but the brothers claimed that they had ordered sound foam and had received the packing foam instead. In my head, I didnt even belong with them because I walked out without a scratch.. He wrote: "This is a company that is well aware of the dangers of polyurethane foam. 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. She got out. The tour manager for the rock band Great White pleaded guilty to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and was sentenced to four years in prison. [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].

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