And I knew the window was to my left. Witnesses of the nearly mile-wide tornado recount how they managed to survive. Jeff Derderian: They didn't even bring up the fax to him. It started as part of the fundraising basketball games she organized at the school. 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. 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. Patrick Lynch: Did he do his job perfectly? [57], On September 4, 2007, some families of the fire's victims expressed their support for Biechele's parole. 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. [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. He is now seven years sober from cocaine, although alcohol is a more pestering problem, he says. But she refuses to live in the past. [48] The grand jury also did not return charges against Russell. He says he managed to escape through the front door before a stampede of people got stuck in the narrow hallway and blocked the exit. [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. Built in 1946, the wooden Station nightclub was grandfathered into an exception for laws requiring ceiling fire sprinklers. I remember getting pushed from behind. But I should have at least tried.. And I was paying staff pricing for beer because I knew a guy. Biechele was released from prison in 2008 after some families of the victims expressed their support for his parole. So, before I knew it, this finger was contractured down in this position and the rest of them were all bent backwards because the skin had tightened up.". So, I would think that the pyrotechnic provision would be in there just like we need to have, you know, 12 M&Ms, I mean, you know, and they need to be brown. I figured I was on my own at that point.. On Feb. 20, 2003, 100 people were killed and more than 200 others were injured in a fire at the Station nightclub in West Warwick. And I was responsible for the day to day. PATRICK LYNCH [news interview]: Certainly, there are people we are looking at, ultimately, we may target. [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. Barr says when he came to, he felt excruciating pain near the base of his spine and burning on his face. Jim Axelrod: And then it just got engulfed in flames? But many, including the brothers, feel strongly Laroque should also have been charged. [38] Derderian had begun working for WPRI on February 17, three days before the fire. I'm going to do this. But when Warner was called before the grand jury, he was not asked about the allegations he made in the fax. . JACK RUSSELL [news interview]: We never do anything without asking permission first. ", Scott James: They had their moments. "We went out on a Thursday night to listen to music, drink some beers and have a good time. [39], At the scene of the fire, Butler gave this account of the tragedy:[41]. I couldn't get up. It was there, she said, that she found the best therapists: others who had been in the fire. The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I., was on fire . They promoted the event. [9], The foam was sold to the Derderians by American Foam. Phil Barr [teary-eyed]: Getting another opportunity to live my life came with enormous responsibility. 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. In the other rooms, the smoke hadn't gotten to them, the flame wasn't that bad, they didn't think anything of it. 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. 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. [9] American Foam refuted the claims in Warner's fax. Michael owned a financial services business; Jeff was a local news reporter. 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. [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. Michael Derderian: Correct. (crying) So I can't expect anybody else to. Lying on the floor not far from the horseshoe bar, Barr lost consciousness. They were told to take it down. Things that bring back memories of that night we try to stay away from. then as it heals, the scarring tightens up. [9] Two gerbs were at 45-degree angles, with the middle two pointing straight up. Almost immediately the finger pointing started. [2], Prior to being converted into a nightclub and concert venue, the Station building had been used as a restaurant and tavern. Club owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian reached a settlement of $813,000 with survivors and victims' families in September 2008. Jody King: He ran in and came out nine times in 90 seconds. Gina Russo has no clear memory of how, with her hair on fire, she got out of the Station nightclub the night of Feb. 20, 2003. S01:E02 - Joplin Tornado. I needed for that day to come, she said. So, I actually got a really good sense of the layout of the venue.". People say they just feel peaceful, Russo told the Globe. Out of it. She said she spent years after that in pain and anger. Fifteen years since that terrible night. [89] Kendall said in 2005, "We haven't played that song. MICHAEL DERDERIAN: I plead not guilty, your honor. In 2003, 100 people died and over 200 were injured at a rock concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island. [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. It was late on Feb. 20, 2003, when the cold winter night erupted in flames. [21] Thick smoke began to fill the station one minute after the ignition and the crowd began to escape the building. and I tripped over what I assume was a bar stool. [96] By 2013, Russell's group had resumed playing "Desert Moon". 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. Russo said that the memorial serves a valuable purpose today for those who knew victims. Scott James: When people arrive, they walk through this entrance and this kinda longish hallway. [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. How did you meet him? The fire seemed to burn quickly, she added. It was criminal, he says. He wasnt charged with a crime, but his thoughts punish him. She spoke with the Globe about Jefferey and Michael Derderian, the . I look at my scars every day. Shed read Russos book, about how the fire left her a bald chick, and it convinced her to go back out into the world. ", "20 years later, the effects of the Station nightclub fire still linger - The Boston Globe", "The Great White Nightclub Fire: Ten Years Later", "In West Warwick firefighters' hearts, the disaster isn't over", "How a West Warwick restaurant became a triage center for burn victims", "20th anniversary of New England nightclub fire that killed 100", "State supreme court to review penalty for employee deaths in R.I. fire - UPI.com", "Workers comp. [97] Russell raised about $180 from the concert, but the Memorial Foundation refused the donation, a decision supported by Kendall. For the first few years she shunned memorial ceremonies but eventually was convinced to go. He trusted the owners. [8], Great White had two opening acts for the February 20 concert: Trip, a group from Vancouver, Washington, and Fathead, a local Rhode Island band. Now in private practice, Lynch says he looked into a host of people. But what they received was highly flammable packing foam. Her bill was $646 that month, she said. He arrived early around 8:30 p.m. Phil Barr: There really weren't that many people around early in the night. I never wanted anyone to be hurt in any way. And then, ever so slowly, he learned to walk again. Like, "get away from the building." Taking her students to the memorial park and telling them what it means were ways of building that memory, she said. He was granted parole and then released after 22 months. I have to find him. Her father wont visit the memorial, and it took her years to be able to drive down Cowesett Avenue, she said. Linda Saran still places much of it on the Derderian brothers. [81] In August 2016, the site was reported to have been being used as a PokeStop in Pokmon Go, to uproar from victims' families. [31], Four employees of the Station were killed in the fire. Her father has seven brothers, Pimentel said, and she was especially close to Carlos. 0:57. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. One guy did crawl out. Linda Saran: I said, "you know what? 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]. [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. The brothers have always maintained that they never gave the band permission to use pyrotechnics. [32] The fine was not resolved until 2013, ten years after the fire, when it was upheld by a judge. WEST WARWICK, R.I. -- Five years . Today marks the 20th anniversary of The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, RI, which killed 100 people. 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. 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? Jim Axelrod: Do you feel, "Oh my goodness, we're in trouble?". The Station was owned by brothers Michael and Jeff Derderian. The State of Rhode Island and the town of West Warwick agreed to pay $10 million as settlement. That was his gift. One near the bar. This trial was scheduled to start May 1, 2006, but Biechele, against his lawyers' advice,[52] pleaded guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter on February 7, 2006, in what he said was an effort to "bring peace, I want this to be over with."[52]. "[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. it was also on fire. Pyrotechnics ignited foam insulation that lined the walls and ceiling around the stage, the National Institute of Standards and Technology concluded. It looked like a ladder of those black jelly bracelets from the 80s hanging in rings around my wrists. 2021, shooting at a San Jose rail station. "There really weren't that many people around early in the night. It seems like yesterday We were going to get married in June and she passed away in February, Cain told CBS. 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. Jeff Derderian: I remember we were trying to get people away from the building. The first was her life before Feb. 20, 2003. Jim Axelrod: Who's responsible for that foam going up on the wall? [82] The stop was removed from the game by developer Niantic later that month. In February 2008, Providence television station. I could have missed my daughter's high school graduation, the birth of her children. The charge is pending. Gina Russo, a survivor of The Station nightclub fire. [29] The initial death toll was 96 people; Four more individuals died in the hospital in the weeks following, bringing the toll to 100. [2], The first criminal trial was against Great White's tour manager, Daniel Michael Biechele, 26, from Orlando, Florida. As the crowd bottlenecked at the clubs entrance, thick black smoke poured out of the building and over their heads. 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. But even more than walking, Phil wanted to return to swimming. There was no one coming out the back door anymore. 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. : In 2021, 48 Hours described the total civil payments to the victims and families as $176 million. Linda Saran: I think a lot of people miss out on the moments. Hundreds of people ran to the only exit many of them knew the way they came in. After the fire, multiple civil and criminal cases were filed. The brothers say there was evidence that the grand jury never heard. There was nothing heroic about what I did.. As a human being how do you not feel some sort of responsibility for that ? Firefighters responded within five minutes, and the building was fully engulfed within six minutes, according to a timeline assembled by WPRI. Michael Derderian: It would have been horrific to have people go through this. 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. Last year, he was charged with striking a woman for whom he was a caretaker. 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. Linda Saran: It's like a riptide. Scott James: I decided I would start asking some questions. [21] A total of 462 people were in attendance, even though the club's maximum licensed capacity was cited as 404.[2]. DANIEL BIECHELE [at sentencing hearing in tears]: I don't know that I will ever forgive myself for what happened that night. [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. Editor's Note: This story was originally published on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018. It's not just about hitting the next goal but doing something really meaningful. The Station Nightclub Fire - University of Cincinnati pdf To summarize the reports, specifically about how people exited, the vast majority of people attempted to exit the way they came in. Michael Derderian: The field test is crystal clear. 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. Cold air washing over me. Michael Derderian: They got this fax and it went on to describe the business practices of the foam company. [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. Greatly., Things that bother people you sit there and you shake your head and you go, if this is the worst thing that happens to me today, this month, this year, this decade, I mean, at that point its one of those things. Patrick Lynch: I don't think anybody in anything that they did wanted anybody to die that night or get injured. This is the main bar where you can get your drinks. [37] The report had been inspired by the E2 nightclub stampede in Chicago that killed 21 people three days earlier. Jeff Derderian: Because in my mind I had nothing to hide. Jim Axelrod: Did you have enough time to form those complete thoughts? [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. Linda Saran and Phil Barr, badly injured, were transported to a local hospital. 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.. 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. Jim Axelrod: To people who feel that the two of you have never said we own this what do you say? 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..