station nightclub fire survivors list station nightclub fire survivors list

Jody King: He ran in and came out nine times in 90 seconds. It was that fast. I look at my scars every day. Honored to have been able to attend such an in depth and eye opening training opportunity. The Station Nightclub Fire: A Horrific First-Person View of the That happened in 2001. Joe Kinan was badly burned in the deadly Station Nightclub fire in Rhode Island that left 100 dead and 230 injured in February 2003 . He is now seven years sober from cocaine, although alcohol is a more pestering problem, he says. Michael Derderian: Jeffrey was responsible for all the marketing activities. I can't speak Everything was, you know, sore and hoarse I picked up the pen in very weak, you know, kind of handwriting I wrote, "I hope to make progress every day.". Michael Derderian: He finds the deficiencies, you have to correct the deficiencies and then signs off so that you so you can get your liquor license that happened in 2000. At the time of The Station fire, older clubs in Rhode Island weren't required to install sprinklers. "[91], Two years to the day after the fire, band members Russell and Kendall, along with Great White's attorney, Ed McPherson, appeared on CNN's Larry King Live with three survivors of the fire and the father of Longley, to discuss how their lives had changed since the incident. [21] The fire spread throughout the building and was completely engulfed within six minutes of the pyrotechnic ignition. The Foam.". Jim Axelrod: The brothers say," wait a minute, we ordered sound foam. The brothers sent a fax to the foam company specifically asking for sound foam. 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. A surgery to correct a childhood ailment with his ears left him able to balance objects on his chin. Gina Russo, who was in The Station on Feb. 20, 2003, barely made it out. 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 WEST WARWICK, R.I. The Station nightclub fire, where 100 people died and hundreds more were hurt, will never be forgotten by those who were there or lost loved ones that February night.. Jim Axelrod: And that's when the despair sinks in. 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. That was in like the 80s. I did not lead them out, he said dismissively. He owned his own construction company, and he was often in the backyard with his sons, improving the landscape or building two ponds that he filled with koi fish. Within six minutes, the entire building was engulfed in flames. [103], Inspired by the fire, the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act has been proposed United States Senate and House of Representatives since 2003. Michael Derderian: Remember, I'm still in Florida. 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. Linda will forever wear the scars of that horrible night. "[55] Biechele was released in March 2008. The Station nightclub owners Michael, left, and Jeffrey Derderian, right, pleaded no contest to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and agreed to a deal. [9] American Foam refuted the claims in Warner's fax. To the right is this much larger space in front of a stage. undisputable. I have to find him. For those who lived through it or lost a loved one, healing from the horrific scars, both physical and emotional, takes time. [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". I kicked out a side window to try to get people out of there. "[58], Dave Kane and Joanne O'Neill, parents of youngest victim Nicholas O'Neill, released their letter to the board to reporters. Multiple injured after shooting at San Jose nightclub | KRON4 [83], In June 2003, the Station Fire Memorial Foundation (SFMF) was formed with the purpose of purchasing the property, to build and maintain a memorial. [2], Prior to being converted into a nightclub and concert venue, the Station building had been used as a restaurant and tavern. Michael Derderian: Correct. And people just stood there. But, you know, they have this following to this day . Phil Barr: I remember the smoke descended really quickly. Michael and Jeff Derderian pleaded no contest to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and agreed to a deal. Survivors of nightclub fire that killed 100 share stories - FireRescue1 And Paul Vanner didnt like what he saw. But Jeff Derderian, who was helping out at the bar, says he and an employee tried to get to the stage with a fire extinguisher. [104] The legislation would create a tax incentive for property owners to install fire sprinkler systems. I'll be right back." Do you understand that anger? So, it was not a great decision to use these inside a nightclub that only has 12-foot ceilings. The February 25 concert at the Dunkin' Donuts Center was broadcast Sunday night on VH1 and VH1 Classic. there are other people who should be responsible. Flames can be seen on the back wall. He had an unlikely friend rooting for him. [42][43] The Station, which was built in 1946, was exempt from a sprinkler requirement in the state fire code through a grandfather clause, which stated that buildings constructed before 1976 were not required to have a sprinkler system. Jim Axelrod: When you come to, you're in a hospital room. 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. It would become one of the deadliest fires in a club in U.S. history. [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. This is the time to leave. Jody King: They blamed three. [tears up, shaking his head]. The fire started shortly after Great White began performing their opening number, "Desert Moon". Patrick Lynch: Looking back on it I would say they ran it as a side business, an attempt to maybe make some extra money with the callous, utter disregard for those that work there and assemble there. [93] After a 2013 legal settlement between the two parties, Kendall's band retained the Great White name, while Russell's band was allowed to use the name Jack Russell's Great White. [93] In the years following the fire, Great White split into two separate groups, one led by Russell and the other by Kendall. Jim Axelrod: And then it just got engulfed in flames? that door being up, there is no question that that increased the likelihood that many, many more would perish. "[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. and I just kind of went down on my face. He don't know. Jody King: Hopped out of bed, grabbed my clothes, grabbed my keys, hopped in the car and took off. The Station was a nightclub that was located on the corner of Cowesett Avenue and Kulas Road in West Warwick, Rhode Island. It was like what? [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. It is the fourth-deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history. I couldn't hear screaming anymore. And by then, the black smoke was pouring out over their heads. Brandon Fravale, a survivor of The Station nightclub fire, speaks with NBC 10 on how he copes with survivor's guilt. They were friends. "I literally baked alive," says Linda Barr. " Eighteen years later, there is no consensus among survivors when it comes to blame. Their story starts three years before the fire. 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. It started as part of the fundraising basketball games she organized at the school. Flames were seen breaking through a part of the roof in less than five minutes. Survivor Phil Barr arrived to The Station early the night of the concert. [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. He was the. Phil Barr: It was getting harder and harder to breathe I could feel tightness and constriction in my chest. Linda Saran: Second- and-third-degree burns, over 34 percent of my body from the heat. [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. 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. Petrarca was sitting near the bar that night in 2003, about five feet from a door, when the fire broke out. I needed for that day to come, she said. He was the. [2], In the months prior to the fire, the building had been inspected twice by West Warwick fire marshal Denis Larocque. [11] For the 2003 tour, the band was billed as "Jack Russell's Great White". 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 fire quickly spread over the dance floor, along the ceiling. As soon as the pyrotechnics stopped, the flame had started on the egg-crate backing behind the stage, and it just went up the ceiling. First published on October 23, 2021 / 11:18 PM. Twisted Sister's Dee Snider Honors 2003 Station Nightclub Fire Victims 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. NFPA on LinkedIn: Station Nightclub Fire Survivor Returns to the Scene And if we could change it, we would. It fuels you. I refused to accept that as the outcome. "We wanted the full story to come out, not just some of it, and for people who want to come to their own conclusion on what happened that night," says Jeff Derderian. Jody King: He trusted the club. One guy did crawl out. Jim Axelrod: How do you know he went in nine times? Tracy King liked to entertain people with his unique talent. PATRICK LYNCH [news interview]: Certainly, there are people we are looking at, ultimately, we may target. Michael Derderian: It would have been horrific to have people go through this. It just so happens that we're evacuated due to the CZU complex fire but hey that's how. Her father has seven brothers, Pimentel said, and she was especially close to Carlos. One near the bar. [39], At the scene of the fire, Butler gave this account of the tragedy:[41]. We talk about fire safety a bit, I dont get too, too far into it.. [102] It is left for each state or local jurisdiction to legally enact and enforce the current code changes. Vanner wonders whether he could have saved them. That exit door would soon be engulfed in flames. They should have blamed more. Station nightclub fire survivor tells burn victims love can happen amid scars, fears: Joe Kinan has had more than 120 surgeries, not the least of which was a hand transplant. if I had nothing to hide, then why wouldn't you why wouldn't you talk to them and tell them what you knew or what you didn't know? Receive the latest news and breaking updates, straight from our newsroom to your inbox. Am I going to sit here and cry about this? So, to the people who think we don't own it I'm telling you, we DO own it ok? ", "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? This page was last edited on 3 March 2023, at 14:21. The answer is no. [39] WPRI-TV and Derderian were criticized for the conflict of interest in having a reporter do a report concerning his own property. Lynch also points out that the exits were a safety issue. The pyrotechnics were gerbs, cylindrical devices that produce a controlled spray of sparks. 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. Jack Russell declined "48 Hours"' request for an interview. However, fire professionals have few choices about what training should be provided and training programs are continually updated to incorporate new technologies as well as lessons learned from actual fire experiences. To satisfy noise complaints from neighbors, the brothers had installed foam along the club's walls and ceilings. 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. We haven't played it since then and probably never will. American Foam said Warner's claims about the company are false. I could have missed my daughter's high school graduation, the birth of her children. Phil Barr fought to breathe on his own. A true hero would have gone for it, Vanner said. So, it was very quickly they were in the circle of people we should look at. The brothers decided that because Jeff had young kids, Michael would go. I went back around the front again, and that's when you saw people stacked on top of each other, trying to get out of the front door. The brothers have since learned that the fire marshal should have tested the foam on the wall. That is the furthest exit away from the stage But it's a relatively straight line. Dan McKee stopped by the memorial on the 20th anniversary of the fire Monday. there was nothing that would make it so you couldn't get out of it. Club owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian reached a settlement of $813,000 with survivors and victims' families in September 2008. [21], By this time, the nightclub's fire alarm had activated, and although there were four possible exits, most people headed for the front door through which they had entered. [12] Kendall, who had co-founded the band with Russell in 1977, had rejoined Russell's version of the group in 2002. Phil Barr: You know just have a beer, see a concert. The Station nightclub fire would become one of the deadliest fires in a club in U.S. history. Survivors of The Station nightclub fire struggle with guilt 20 years Everybody just kind of turned. The Foam.". [24] Hundreds of firefighters responded to the fire, including every available West Warwick firefighter. And I was responsible for the day to day. It would have been my legacy, Vanner said. [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. Saran was one of the more than 200 who were seriously hurt in the fire. That specific. [2], Prior to the fire, the Station often hosted concerts by 1980s hard rock groups and tribute bands. 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. The Station nightclub fire - Wikipedia I miss Tina a lot. [9], The foam was sold to the Derderians by American Foam. Survivor of Rhode Island Station Nightclub Fire Rebuilds His Life 14 For the first February in 15 years, Lisa Del Sesto said, she hasnt had the nightmares. So, I actually got a really good sense of the layout of the venue.". Petrarca remembers one of the most beautiful moments shes had. 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. And then, ever so slowly, he learned to walk again. Tracy King died saving many others the night of the fire. The Station Nightclub Fire Tragedy Memorial Site - Legacy.com Eighteen years later, there was no consensus among survivors when it comes to blame. [95] When Russell launched his version of the band in 2012, Kendall's group responded that Russell had no right to use the name. The morning after the fire, the lead singer of Great White, Jack Russell, claimed the brothers had given the band permission to set off the fireworks. Because so many people that were there don't have that opportunity. That was his gift. The brothers have always maintained that they never gave the band permission to use pyrotechnics. Scott James: When people arrive, they walk through this entrance and this kinda longish hallway. That evening she had a girl's night out with a friend while her young daughter was at a sleepover. Seconds later, flames appeared on the back wall. In a statement, Rhode Island Gov. One near the bar. Patrick Lynch: while troubling, concerning, maddening it doesn't mean that somebody should be charged or can be. 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. The Station was owned by brothers Michael and Jeff Derderian. [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]. Lourdes Aguiar is the senior producer. 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. Its surreal. Inspection records showed that just three months before the fire, the Derderians had been cited by the local fire marshal for having a secondary, interior door by the stage that opened inward, which violated regulations. . I'm going to do this. Hundreds of people ran to the only exit many of them knew the way they came in. 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. [28] By 1:30 a.m. on February 21, all patients had been transported and the street had been cleared. And I was paying staff pricing for beer because I knew a guy. [48], Following the tragedy, Governor Donald Carcieri declared a moratorium on pyrotechnic displays at venues that hold fewer than 300 people. Gina Russo, a survivor of The Station nightclub fire. I ran across the room and I ran face-first into the wall. I noticed when the pyro stopped, the flame had kept going on both sides. A West Warwick police officer who was already at the scene also reported the fire to police dispatch. 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. 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 . How is it our responsibility if they gave us the wrong foam?". The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I., was on 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. They all say I never would have stopped it, and I probably wouldnt have. 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. Linda Saran: It's like a riptide. Things that bring back memories of that night we try to stay away from. And settled for $1 million. Patrick Lynch: The type of foam was equal to gallons of gasoline. He doesn't know. Jody King: "Anybody see Tracy?" "We have 39 confirmed fatalities, and we are still in the process of searching the rubble. 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. I'm so sorry for what I have done, and I don't want to cause anyone any more pain. Susan Nicol. [2], The first criminal trial was against Great White's tour manager, Daniel Michael Biechele, 26, from Orlando, Florida. / CBS News. In fact, they did the opposite.". Linda Saran: I could have missed it all. [89] The band raised $185,000 for the Station Family Fund during the tour. 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 Tragedy Revisited Five Years Later | Firehouse San Jose shooting suspect prepared 'to take as many lives as he Lying on the floor not far from the horseshoe bar, Barr lost consciousness. JACK RUSSELL [news interview]: We never do anything without asking permission first. Unlike many of the patrons there, this was Barr's first time at the club. [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. As the crowd bottlenecked at the clubs entrance, thick black smoke poured out of the building and over their heads. Cold air washing over me. The company paid a hefty settlement and they weren't the only ones. [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. Michael Derderian: But that door became impassable almost within seconds because clearly there's foam that's burning at 800 or 1,500 degrees. And I stood up. Great White's tour manager Daniel Biechele also faced the same charges. [85] By April 2016, $1.65 million of the $2 million fundraising goal had been achieved and construction of the Station Fire Memorial Park had commenced. There was nothing heroic about what I did.. 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. 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. And that's when I noticed the black on my arms. Also there that night was Bates College student Phil Barr, who was home for winter break. Jim Axelrod: Mr. Warner's fax wasn't presented to the grand jury, correct? Those who were trapped inside The Station when the flames started knew they needed to get out fast. 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. Russell 's bandmate Ty Longley (guitar) was one of the people who perished in The Station blaze, which became the fourth deadliest fire in U.S. history. [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. I went over, put my hands against the glass, and I started kicking at that window and it wouldn't break. Jim Axelrod: There are so many people still to this day angry that the case didn't go to trial. Judy Tygard is the executive producer. [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 18 years after the fire, the brothers say they want to set the record straight and reveal new information. It just so happens that we're . I went around back. Patrick Lynch: You're telling me it wasn't, and I don't know that it wasn't. Biechele was released from prison in 2008 after some families of the victims expressed their support for his parole. 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. it was also on fire. [89] "I don't think I could ever sing that song again," said Russell. [4] The nightclub was purchased by brothers Michael and Jeffrey Derderian in March 2000. Also outside was club owner Jeff Derderian. [80], A permanent memorial at the site of the fire has been erected and named the Station Fire Memorial Park. These TIAs were subsequently incorporated into the 2006 edition of NFPA 101, along with additional exit requirements for new nightclub occupancies. And they played the arenas. He said if there's. 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. Watch Alive S01:E03 - Station Nightclub Fire Free TV | Tubi 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. The Station Nightclub Fire is Remembered in the Documentary - Yurview [22] Biechele used four gerbs that were set to spray sparks 15 feet (4.6m) for fifteen seconds. He tells her he wishes that hed tried to extinguish the fire. The flanking gerbs became the principal cause of the fire. Joshua Sanders, MS, IAAI-CFI on LinkedIn: ATF_NCETR on Twitter [30] Longley reportedly died after returning to the building to retrieve his guitar. It had to end, for me and it ended in the most beautiful way.. [60], Following Biechele's trial, The Station's owners, Michael and Jeffrey Derderian, were scheduled to receive separate trials. [94] Kendall's version of Great White was to perform at the Mohegan Sun casino in Uncasville, Connecticut alongside Stryper and Steven Adler on March 25, 2023, but the venue indefinitely postponed the concert on March 2, citing its proximity to the twentieth anniversary of the fire.