station nightclub fire survivors list

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. He was the. [48] Larocque had set various capacities for the Station in the years prior to the fire based on whether pool tables and other items could be moved. When fireworks ignited the soundproofing foam on the stage wall, he ran for a fire extinguisher. [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. He sees his actions as a verdict on his own humanity. Flames can be seen on the back wall. Phil Barr: We kind of crouched down behind some of the people in front of us. Linda Saran and her friend Deb were in the atrium, huddled together under a table. Scott James: They are what they call 15x15. The Derderians say despite their love for the club the business had peaked, and they were in the process of selling it. 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. In 2003, 100 people died and over 200 were injured at a rock concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island. She took a photograph of the stone of a man who died and sent it to his daughter in California. Her father wont visit the memorial, and it took her years to be able to drive down Cowesett Avenue, she said. And by then, the black smoke was pouring out over their heads. But with last years dedication of the Station Memorial Park on the site of the nightclub, she said she found that along with the scars, that night had provided her with a purpose in life and people she would otherwise never have known. Linda Saran: Second- and-third-degree burns, over 34 percent of my body from the heat. I cant do it for the rest of my life, she said. [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. Jason Hahn. 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. "We went out on a Thursday night to listen to music, drink some beers and have a good time. At the scene, Jody King was desperate for information about his brother, and began to fear the worst. True to his words, Barr fought to breathe on his own. He don't know. Patrick Lynch: I can't remember, honestly. [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. Scott James: It was a typical kind of roadside dive. She endured more than 50 operations. The roof was caving in, walls were caving in, body after body in front of me. SAN JOSE (BCN) - Three people were injured in a shooting that occurred Saturday morning at San Jose's Aura nightclub. "[55] Biechele was released in March 2008. some bleeding I could notice in my throat. Jeff Derderian: I remember we were trying to get people away from the building. 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. [21], Among those who died in the fire were Great White guitarist Ty Longley, and the show's emcee, WHJY DJ Mike "The Doctor" Gonsalves. Firefighters responded within five minutes, and the building was fully engulfed within six minutes, according to a timeline assembled by WPRI. Jody King: I see the horror. [tearing up] "What a great brother you have. [48] The capacity for the Station was either 258 or 404, depending on how the building was being used. Jeff Derderian: None of the inspections and then follow-up inspections. 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. The shooting was first reported at 12:04 a.m. in the 300 block of S. 1st . But even more than walking, Phil wanted to return to swimming. These are videos of prior performances taken inside the club. Barr, who was in his junior year, had dreams of a career on Wall Street and swam competitively for his college swim team. But I should have at least tried.. I will never forget that night, and I will never forget the people that were hurt by it. Scott James: It should not have happened. And Paul Vanner didnt like what he saw. I look at my scars every day. The Derderians have always maintained that they never gave the band permission to use pyrotechnics. MICHAEL DERDERIAN: I plead not guilty, your honor. Flames soon appeared on the walls on either side of the stage and spread quickly along the foam that lined the walls and ceiling, intended to dampen sound. 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. Jim Axelrod: Did you have enough time to form those complete thoughts? [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. There was no one coming out the back door anymore. I remember getting pushed from behind. 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. He said if there's. One guy did crawl out. We haven't played it since then and probably never will. undisputable. : In 2021, 48 Hours described the total civil payments to the victims and families as $176 million. The February 25 concert at the Dunkin' Donuts Center was broadcast Sunday night on VH1 and VH1 Classic. . In the aftermath, West Warwick, Rhode Island TV news reporter Jeff Derderian wanted to run a story on nightclub safety. Eighteen years later, there is no consensus among survivors when it comes to blame. Updated on: October 24, 2021 / 2:07 AM That day let her put a period on the last sentence of Chapter Two, she said. The third started that day. You bury nine people in a period of less than two weeks, she said, and yeah, I think it affects you. [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. It's not just about hitting the next goal but doing something really meaningful. One near the bar. [22] Biechele used four gerbs that were set to spray sparks 15 feet (4.6m) for fifteen seconds. JEFF DERDERIAN [crying]: Many people didn't make it out and that is a horror that will haunt my family and I for the rest of our lives. Tracy King worked at The Station as a bouncer. [2], Prior to being converted into a nightclub and concert venue, the Station building had been used as a restaurant and tavern. Jim Axelrod: There are so many people still to this day angry that the case didn't go to trial. Now in private practice, Lynch says he looked into a host of people. He doesn't know. Barr was now outside, but he felt like his lungs were on fire. Phil Barr [teary-eyed]: Getting another opportunity to live my life came with enormous responsibility. 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. The fire seemed to burn quickly, she added. But their plans for the future would suddenly change. [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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [100], Gonsalves was inducted into the Rhode Island Radio and Television Hall of Fame in 2013. 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. Scott James: The fire alarm you hear it kick in. It was liquid fire. [11] Dominic Santana, the owner of The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey, told reporters that Great White had used pyrotechnics during their February 14, 2003 performance at the venue without his permission, and their contract and rider did not mention pyrotechnics displays. [80], A permanent memorial at the site of the fire has been erected and named the Station Fire Memorial Park. He threw my wife, my cousin, my uncle, my sister out a window." 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 . I try to say it in the lightest way possible, she said. Sparks from the gerbs ignited the insulation foam, and flames were visible on the wall above the stage within nine seconds of their ignition. 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. Vanner spoke about how his life derailed after 11:07 p.m. on Feb. 20, 2003. Lying on the floor not far from the horseshoe bar, Barr lost consciousness. The pyrotechnics were gerbs, cylindrical devices that produce a controlled spray of sparks. At the time of the fire, he had just started a new job closer to home in Providence at the local CBS station. View Image Gallery. [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. 2021, shooting at a San Jose rail station. Jim Axelrod: Over the course of the investigation, what did you learn about the way the brothers ran their business? Honored to have been able to attend such an in depth and eye opening training opportunity. The company paid a hefty settlement and they weren't the only ones. [4] Another restaurant opened in the building in 1974. 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. This page was last edited on 3 March 2023, at 14:21. [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. So, it was very quickly they were in the circle of people we should look at. I was asked to work the merch table for the band, so I was getting 40 bucks and two T-shirts. And I knew the window was to my left. [103], Inspired by the fire, the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act has been proposed United States Senate and House of Representatives since 2003. I have to find him. In the other rooms, the smoke hadn't gotten to them, the flame wasn't that bad, they didn't think anything of it. Share. The club was not equipped with sprinklers, according to the NIST, and crowding at the buildings main entrance made it difficult for people to escape. Well, I guess once we all started to turn toward the door, and we got bottle-necked into the front door, people just kept pushing, and eventually everyone popped out of the door, including myself. 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. there are other people who should be responsible. JACK RUSSELL [news interview]: We never do anything without asking permission first. Almost immediately the finger pointing started. The Station nightclub fire would become one of the deadliest fires in a club in U.S. history. [54] Darigan remarked, "The greatest sentence that can be imposed on you has been imposed on you by yourself. In my head, I didnt even belong with them because I walked out without a scratch.. 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. As a human being how do you not feel some sort of responsibility for that ? Patrick Lynch: They are running the operation. But what they received was highly flammable packing foam. I had no control over my muscles. Tracy died never giving up. Susan Nicol. I don't know that I'll ever forgive myself for what happened that night, so I can't expect anybody else to. [32] In April 2003, The Derderians were fined $1.07 million for failing to carry workers' compensation insurance for their employees. The story of three survivors that were trapped when the massive Cypress Street viaduct collapsed. It had to be two minutes tops before the whole place was black smoke. The fire began as rock band Great White played to the crowd. I thought how terrible it was that my daughter was going to grow up without her mom. 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. [2], Prior to the fire, the Station often hosted concerts by 1980s hard rock groups and tribute bands. Patrick Lynch: Not only was the door up, which it shouldn't have been, opened inward which it shouldn't have It was covered in foam. 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 The brother's plea deal stated only one of them would go to prison. Marc Goldbaum is the development producer. 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. Michael Derderian: No. Its surreal. ", "We are now at 65, and that may be higher ", Jeff Derderian: "Can you come in? That was the most important thing, they didnt freak.. The brothers decided that because Jeff had young kids, Michael would go. [9] American Foam refuted the claims in Warner's fax. Out of it. 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. 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? Since the fire, I have wanted to tell the victims and their families how truly sorry I am for what happened that night and the part that I had in it. Like Barr, Linda Saran had also spent three weeks in a medically induced coma. [97] Russell raised about $180 from the concert, but the Memorial Foundation refused the donation, a decision supported by Kendall. [tears up] And the roof and just everything just fast, too fast. Those at the nightclub had to act soon, as smoke was visible in the exit doorways in just over one minute. They all say I never would have stopped it, and I probably wouldnt have. Linda Saran was a regular at The Station. Phil Barr: I asked my pulmonologist, you know, "when can I get back in the pool?" Even if he died trying. Station nightclub fire survivor tells burn victims love can happen amid scars, fears: Joe Kinan has had more than 120 surgeries, not the least of which was a hand transplant. The blaze began when the band Jack Russell's Great White took the stage and their tour manager set off four large fireworks. [3] A fire had previously occurred at the building in 1972 while it was used as a restaurant called Julio's. and I tripped over what I assume was a bar stool. PATRICK LYNCH [news interview]: Certainly, there are people we are looking at, ultimately, we may target. For those who lived through it or lost a loved one, healing from the horrific scars, both physical and emotional, takes time. It was the fourth deadliest fire in a nightclub in US history. The first time I went to counseling, I made the therapist cry, Del Sesto said. Season 1. [82] The stop was removed from the game by developer Niantic later that month. Michael and Jeff Derderian pleaded no contest to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and agreed to a deal. It seems senseless that something like this could happen. Also there that night was Bates College student Phil Barr, who was home for winter break. Jeff Derderian: I don't know. [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. The message is, Dont forget. Never forget these people or forget what happened., Stay up to date on all the latest news from Boston.com. 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. And I remember that statement, because I was, like, this is not great. [9] The lack of usable exits were also a factor, as was the inward door that Larocque had found and asked to be removed. He spent 33 months in prison, while Jeff had to do 500 hours of community service. The four exits inside The Station: "There's an exit near the stage an exit through the kitchen. It was like what? She wrote a book, meets with burn victims, talks to fire departments and fire safety groups across the country. He turned back to see the crowd bottle-necked at the stage. They want to talk to you." local Four nonstop. I ran across the room and I ran face-first into the wall. 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.

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