But he didn't know what. In 2003, 100 people died and over 200 were injured at a rock concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island. 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. He was the. undisputable. some bleeding I could notice in my throat. To the right is this much larger space in front of a stage. Then there's that interior, inward swinging door by the stage that Former Attorney General Patrick Lynch says was responsible for loss of life the night of the fire. 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. And it was ugly. Linda Saran was a regular at The Station. [9], The foam was sold to the Derderians by American Foam. In February 2008, Providence television station. 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. Scott James: When people arrive, they walk through this entrance and this kinda longish hallway. But the night of the fire it was up to help cut down the noise. The four exits inside The Station: "There's an exit near the stage an exit through the kitchen. Tracy King worked at The Station as a bouncer. I couldn't get up. [61], In January 2008, the Parole Board decided to grant Michael Derderian an early release; he was scheduled to be released from prison in September 2009, but was granted his release in June 2009 for good behavior.[64]. [82] The stop was removed from the game by developer Niantic later that month. The state of Rhode Island is small," says author Scott James. And yet, at the point in time, I don't think I knew his name. Sparks from the gerbs ignited the insulation foam, and flames were visible on the wall above the stage within nine seconds of their ignition. The brother's plea deal stated only one of them would go to prison. It made me realize, I might be only one person, but my story and my injuries were making people listen, she said. Today she is president of the Station Fire Memorial Foundation, the group that oversaw the construction of the memorial park. At the scene, Jody King was desperate for information about his brother, and began to fear the worst. It was liquid fire. 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. 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. I cant do it for the rest of my life, she said. [39], At the scene of the fire, Butler gave this account of the tragedy:[41]. They should have blamed more. Jeffrey and Michael Derderian, the owners of the Station, pleaded no contest and avoided a trial: Michael received the same sentence as Biechele and was released from prison in 2009, while Jeffrey received a sentence of 500 hours of community service. Petrarca remembers one of the most beautiful moments shes had. (crying) So I can't expect anybody else to. [21] The Station did not have a sprinkler system installed. [28], Of the 462 people in the building for the concert, 100 were killed, 230 were injured, and 132 escaped uninjured. The fire quickly spread over the dance floor, along the ceiling. 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. And I sent it to her and the best compliment I ever got was oh, his hairs fantastic.. I know how this tragedy has devastated me, but I can only begin to understand what the people who lost loved ones have endured. [2] The club was cited for nine minor code violations during the first inspection in November 2002, but was not cited for the flammable polyurethane foam the venue used for soundproofing, which was against code. 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. 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. [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. Jody King: When he walked into a room, if there wasn't a smile he'd start balancing stuff to get you uplifted and smiling. 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? But Saturday night, as . I found my soul was wanting.. Jim Axelrod: Did you have enough time to form those complete thoughts? Jeff Derderian: There's so many things that factor into the decision to do that. The Derderians say that in the three years they owned the club, no one ever questioned the safety of the foam and say the club was inspected by their insurance company, and multiple times by the local Fire Marshal Denis Laroque. Linda Saran: The night of the fire I got in for free. 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. That was the most important thing, they didnt freak.. Receive the latest news and breaking updates, straight from our newsroom to your inbox. I went over, put my hands against the glass, and I started kicking at that window and it wouldn't break. [tearing up] "What a great brother you have. Because so many people that were there don't have that opportunity. Jeff Derderian: I don't know. 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? "There really weren't that many people around early in the night. He arrived early around 8:30 p.m. Phil Barr: There really weren't that many people around early in the night. And I'm like, "OK.". Stay up to date with everything Boston. [15][16] All the members of Trip escaped the Station without injury, but two members of Fathead, cousins Keith and Steven Mancini, died in the fire. Jody King: I'm so proud to say he's my brother. It took about five years to come to terms with that, she said. Scott James has written a book about the tragedy called "Trial by Fire.". [21] Thick smoke began to fill the station one minute after the ignition and the crowd began to escape the building. Phil Barr: Being a survivor of The Station nightclub fire is a piece of who I am. 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. REELZ today announced the network's original documentary America's Deadliest Rock Concert: The Guest List premieres February 20th at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT presenting the deeply personal stories of lives forever altered by the tragic Station nightclub fire that left 100 people dead, more than 200 injured and devastated the tight-knit community of West Warwick, Rhode Island. Am I going to sit here and cry about this? "Taking responsibility for your actions goes a long way," she says. ", Scott James: They had their moments. [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. I would forgive them in a heartbeat. Michael Derderian: The club was sold. 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]. He don't know. But when Warner was called before the grand jury, he was not asked about the allegations he made in the fax. 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. 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. Patrick Lynch: I don't think anybody in anything that they did wanted anybody to die that night or get injured. We took shortcuts. 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. It looked like it was raining black fire. Phil Barr awoke after three weeks in a medically induced coma and was told his lungs had been badly damaged. The shooting was first reported at 12:04 a.m. in the 300 block of S. 1st . [9], Thousands of mourners attended an interfaith memorial service at St. Gregory the Great Church in Warwick on February 24, 2003, to remember those lost in the fire. It was really everything to me at that time. I never thought it would get so bad., He told bartender Julie Mellini that they had to leave, and she and several patrons followed Vanner out the kitchen door. She paused, her eyes tearing. Patrick Lynch: I can't remember, honestly. 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. The Derderians say that in the three years they owned the club, no one ever questioned the safety of the foam. [89] The band raised $185,000 for the Station Family Fund during the tour. [43][45], An investigation of the fire by a Rhode Island state grand jury was started by then-Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch on February 26, 2003. [81] In August 2016, the site was reported to have been being used as a PokeStop in Pokmon Go, to uproar from victims' families. But I should have at least tried.. [11] For the 2003 tour, the band was billed as "Jack Russell's Great White". [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. Linda Saran: I think a lot of people miss out on the moments. [22] Biechele used four gerbs that were set to spray sparks 15 feet (4.6m) for fifteen seconds. [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]. [3] A fire had previously occurred at the building in 1972 while it was used as a restaurant called Julio's. [84] In September 2012, the owner of the land, Ray Villanova, donated the site to the SFMF. That exit door would soon be engulfed in flames. Linda Saran still places much of it on the Derderian brothers. How did you meet him? They didn't even let him talk about it. Even if he died trying. But never once do they say, "we screwed up." [47] Larocque was not charged by the grand jury, as Lynch had cited a state law that prevented charges against fire marshals without proof of bad faith. And then, ever so slowly, he learned to walk again. Jeff Derderian: None of the inspections and then follow-up inspections. I am proud. The brothers have always maintained that they never gave the band permission to use pyrotechnics. [2], Prior to being converted into a nightclub and concert venue, the Station building had been used as a restaurant and tavern. The Station was owned by brothers Jeff and Michael Derderian. these contracts are pretty specific. [97] Russell raised about $180 from the concert, but the Memorial Foundation refused the donation, a decision supported by Kendall. [21] A total of 462 people were in attendance, even though the club's maximum licensed capacity was cited as 404.[2]. Michael Derderian: Take this stuff down. [76] Another memorial was later that night the West Warwick Civic Center. I refused to accept that as the outcome. [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. Susan Nicol. The club was sold. 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. [86][87] The memorial dedication ceremony took place on May 21, 2017. Its surreal. Michael Derderian: But that door became impassable almost within seconds because clearly there's foam that's burning at 800 or 1,500 degrees. But 15 years later, she said, its time for her to move out of its shadow. Purchase and sale had been signed. Michael Derderian: Remember, I'm still in Florida. Both the brothers had other jobs. [56], The sentence drew mixed reactions in the courtroom. His work was instrumental in amassing 176 million dollars in settlements from persons and corporations responsible for the fire. 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. But even more than walking, Phil wanted to return to swimming. But many, including the brothers, feel strongly Laroque should also have been charged. Biechele. He don't know. 0:57. The story of three survivors that were trapped when the massive Cypress Street viaduct collapsed. There was no one coming out the back door anymore. As the crowd bottlenecked at the clubs entrance, thick black smoke poured out of the building and over their heads. 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. I went around back. Linda Saran and Phil Barr, badly injured, were transported to a local hospital. In a statement, Rhode Island Gov. Scott James: It smelled like spilled beer and stale cigarettes and everything was just a little bit frayed at the edge. Jody King: We never knew the whole story because the trial never happened, so everything really never came out. 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. But I made a choice. Even if he couldnt. 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 became very, very hard to breathe. The State of Rhode Island and the town of West Warwick agreed to pay $10 million as settlement. It took a while, she said, but she thinks she had found the way to move on from it but to keep it with her as well. "[5], Many of the survivors of the fire developed post-traumatic stress disorder after the event. The tragedy, she said, heightened her appreciation of the life she was allowed, for whatever reason, to continue. There is one consistent thing I have learned after 18 years in the And I hear [moves her arms to the side with a whoosh] and out Deb went. Isn't that an important fact in determining who's at fault? Jack Russell declined "48 Hours"' request for an interview. Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch opened an investigation and convened a grand jury to determine if anyone should face criminal charges. Jim Axelrod: Do you feel, "Oh my goodness, we're in trouble?". Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. It is now mandatory for nightclubs with occupancy over 150 to have them. [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. [9], The fire was reported to the West Warwick Fire Department by cellular phone calls to 911 within sixty seconds of ignition[24]. For the first February in 15 years, Lisa Del Sesto said, she hasnt had the nightmares. I kicked out a side window to try to get people out of there. Gina Russo of Cranston, R.I. is a survivor of the Station nightclub fire and president of The Station Fire Memorial Foundation. The brothers have since learned that the fire marshal should have tested the foam on the wall. He was the. The Station was owned by brothers Michael and Jeff Derderian. Linda Saran: The foam was raining down and the flames are dripping from the ceiling. And that song reminds us of that night. [89] "I don't think I could ever sing that song again," said Russell. She sees telling the story of the Station fire as a way of preventing others from going through the same thing. Obviously the nightclub was not in compliance, and there never should have been pyrotechnics, but there's no evidence the bouncers blocked people from . [9] Two gerbs were at 45-degree angles, with the middle two pointing straight up. To satisfy noise complaints from neighbors, the brothers had installed foam along the club's walls and ceilings. It would become one of the deadliest fires in a club in U.S. history. Jeff Derderian: this is flammable you can't have this. S01:E01 - San Francisco Freeway Collapse. The roof was caving in, walls were caving in, body after body in front of me. [1] The building that would become The Station was built in 1946 and was originally used as a gin mill. [51], Victims' families have also cited overcrowding in the venue as a cause for the causalities during the fire. 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. Stephen Sweet, a Quincy firefighter who lost his cousin Shawn Sweet in the fire, came to play the bagpipes at a memorial ceremony Monday, WCVB reported. Vanner has no excuses. [54] Darigan remarked, "The greatest sentence that can be imposed on you has been imposed on you by yourself. Linda Saran: When I first went out the window, I landed on the stairs. She took a photograph of the stone of a man who died and sent it to his daughter in California. Jim Axelrod: There are so many people still to this day angry that the case didn't go to trial. 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? Jody King kneels at his brother Tracy's memorial. Vanner wonders whether he could have saved them. According to author Scott James, Great White had reportedly used a large pyro display without permission at other clubs, including just days before the fire at a show in New Jersey. [28] By 1:30 a.m. on February 21, all patients had been transported and the street had been cleared. What kind of club was this? Jody King: Hopped out of bed, grabbed my clothes, grabbed my keys, hopped in the car and took off. The brothers decided that because Jeff had young kids, Michael would go. And outside I went. [32] The fine was not resolved until 2013, ten years after the fire, when it was upheld by a judge. Del Sesto said her life is told in three chapters now. Since 2003, the approach of the anniversary of the Station fire, where she and her twin sister, Cara Ann, got out unhurt while 100 others died and about 200 more were injured, was four weeks of dread. You know people didn't react instantly. And the following year he was able to accomplish the impossible and rejoin his swim team. These are videos of prior performances taken inside the club. Two decades after 100 people were killed in the West Warwick, R.I. fire, those affected by the incident are reflecting on that tragic night. Biechele was released from prison on March 19, 2008. 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. There had to be that period for me. So, to the people who think we don't own it I'm telling you, we DO own it ok? Last year, he was charged with striking a woman for whom he was a caretaker. On May 20, 2003, nondenominational services began to be held at the site of the fire for a number of months. For the first few years she shunned memorial ceremonies but eventually was convinced to go. 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. [63] Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch objected strenuously to the plea bargain, saying that both brothers should have received jail time and that Michael Derderian should have received more time than Biechele. Jim Axelrod: Did either of you know anything about running a nightclub? 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. Things that bring back memories of that night we try to stay away from. [98], 41, a documentary about Nicholas O'Neill, the youngest victim of the fire, was screened at Rhode Island theaters in 2008. The blaze began when the band Jack Russell's Great White took the stage and their tour manager set off four large fireworks. Like you feel that kinship that, you know, "God, I really hope this guy makes it." They want to talk to you." ", "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? One near the bar. The biggest question was, why had the fire spread so quickly? In the aftermath, West Warwick, Rhode Island TV news reporter Jeff Derderian wanted to run a story on nightclub safety. Barr was located between the stage and the front door. [14] In the aftermath of the fire, Great White and the owners of the Station disputed whether the band were allowed to use the pyrotechnic display during their concert. 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 Gina Russo, who was in The Station on Feb. 20, 2003, barely made it out. The fire started shortly after Great White began performing their opening number, "Desert Moon". The brothers, however, find that hard to believe considering the foam covered the walls, ceiling and even the inward swinging door he cited as a violation. Michael Derderian: And I'm saying to him "Did everybody get out Did anyone die?" It seems senseless that something like this could happen. 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. Editor's Note: This story was originally published on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018. [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. [12] The rest of the lineup included guitarist Ty Longley, who died in the fire, bass guitarist Dave Felice, and drummer Eric Powers. 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. 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. [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]. The Feb. 20, 2003. There was nothing heroic about what I did.. Tracy died never giving up. Club owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian reached a settlement of $813,000 with survivors and victims' families in September 2008. [49] In 2013, Kendall told The Providence Journal that he maintained amicable contact with some survivors, victims' families, and the Station Fire Memorial Foundation. Today, we mourn the 100 lives lost in the Station nightclub fire and the hundreds more whose lives will never be the same. it was also on fire. I went and laid down next to Deb and just waited to die. So, I actually got a really good sense of the layout of the venue.". [25] Fire departments in Warwick, Coventry, and Cranston rendered mutual aid to the fire site. "We have 39 confirmed fatalities, and we are still in the process of searching the rubble. According to author Scott James, Great White had reportedly used a large pyro display without permission at other clubs, including just days before the fire at a show in New Jersey. [17][16], The concert was emceed by Michael Gonsalves, a disk jockey for Providence rock radio station WHJY who was also known as "Doctor Metal". "We went out on a Thursday night to listen to music, drink some beers and have a good time. Share. The fire began as rock band Great White played to the crowd. Scott James: You have four exits. He spent 33 months in prison, while Jeff had to do 500 hours of community service. Jim Axelrod: Describe The Station nightclub for me. [37] The report had been inspired by the E2 nightclub stampede in Chicago that killed 21 people three days earlier. [12] Russell's relation with some survivors and families has been strained, although he remains close to Longley's family. That is the furthest exit away from the stage But it's a relatively straight line. He still remembers that deadly night. They were friends. She wrote a book, meets with burn victims, talks to fire departments and fire safety groups across the country. Great White was part of the lawsuit. Seconds later, flames appeared on the back wall. One hundred people died, and hundreds more suffered. "[58], Dave Kane and Joanne O'Neill, parents of youngest victim Nicholas O'Neill, released their letter to the board to reporters. Jim Axelrod: Mr. Warner's fax wasn't presented to the grand jury, correct? Tweet. And that's when it starts to hit you all that you've lost. It just so happens that we're . My friends were dead, my other friends are severely injured, I no longer look like myself. I don't know that I'll ever forgive myself for what happened that night, so I can't expect anybody else to. S01:E02 - Joplin Tornado. Jody King: As I went by the fire station fire trucks are coming out Now the question in my head is why are all these firetrucks leaving? Pyrotechnics ignited foam insulation that lined the walls and ceiling around the stage, the National Institute of Standards and Technology concluded. there was nothing that would make it so you couldn't get out of it. He is now seven years sober from cocaine, although alcohol is a more pestering problem, he says. 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. So, I actually got a really good sense of the layout of the venue. But she said she also wants to keep the people she has met from that night, who she sees as friends and not sharers of a horrible experience. She got out. As a human being how do you not feel some sort of responsibility for that ? 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. Michael Derderian also spoke via phone to an investigator. [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.
Nismo Willans Harness,
Doubling Down With The Derricos House,
Wycliffe Orlando Housing,
Hawthorne High School 50th Reunion,
Articles S