station nightclub fire survivors list
One hundred people died, and hundreds more suffered. Today marks the 20th anniversary of The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, RI, which killed 100 people. [28], Of the 462 people in the building for the concert, 100 were killed, 230 were injured, and 132 escaped uninjured. How he went from being a man with a job he loved and friends, to someone struggling with sobriety and guilt, suffering flashbacks at fire alarms and smoke-like fog. Phil Barr awoke after three weeks in a medically induced coma and was told his lungs had been badly damaged. Out of it. Scott James: It was a typical kind of roadside dive. Kat Teurfs is the associate producer. [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. But I should have at least tried.. One near the bar. there are other people who should be responsible. [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. into the main barroom. "[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. if he had done that, then he would have obviously have said to us . But he didn't know what. "[55] Biechele was released in March 2008. And I stood up. That is the furthest exit away from the stage But it's a relatively straight line. Obviously the nightclub was not in compliance, and there never should have been pyrotechnics, but there's no evidence the bouncers blocked people from . [24] Hundreds of firefighters responded to the fire, including every available West Warwick firefighter. He arrived early around 8:30 p.m. Phil Barr: There really weren't that many people around early in the night. Vanner spoke about how his life derailed after 11:07 p.m. on Feb. 20, 2003. I would see the burn survivors, whom Im lucky enough to call friends, Del Sesto said. Linda Saran: The bar got quiet because people were dying literally and all you could hear was the roar of the fire and liquor bottles exploding. The brothers sent a fax to the foam company specifically asking for sound foam. The fire quickly spread over the dance floor, along the ceiling. my dad was in the room. 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. Legal action against several parties, including Great White, were resolved with monetary settlements by 2008. And I took a good look and I said, "Oh, st, I'm burned.". Michael Derderian: The field test is crystal clear. Scott James: The fire alarm you hear it kick in. 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.". But that night, leading the cameraman around was bouncer Tracy King, a dedicated husband and father of three young boys. 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. I never imagined that anyone ever would be. But then the door would go back up when it was going to be a loud night. Last year, he was charged with striking a woman for whom he was a caretaker. [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. [96] By 2013, Russell's group had resumed playing "Desert Moon". The night of the fire Jeff Derderian gave a statement to the local police and another one to an investigator with the Attorney General's Office. that door being up, there is no question that that increased the likelihood that many, many more would perish. Jeff called his brother Michael who was in Florida. Published on August 10, 2017 09:05 AM. 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 have an exit through the kitchen. Scott James has written a book about the tragedy called "Trial by Fire.". They were told to take it down. 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. 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. I just don't find him as guilty of anything. Linda Saran: Yes. [11] For the 2003 tour, the band was billed as "Jack Russell's Great White". It was late on Feb. 20, 2003, when the cold winter night erupted in flames. Jeff Derderian: We feel a sense of guilt about what happened in the sense that you carry the guilt of knowing that these people aren't here anymore, and these people are hurt for the rest of their life. And 18 years after the fire, the brothers say they want to set the record straight and reveal new information. Jim Axelrod: The fire spread so quickly because rather than fire-retardant sound foam, on the wall of the club was highly flammable packing foam. I went and laid down next to Deb and just waited to die. And so, when the fire inspector came in and said that that door had to come down the door, the door did come down. Jim Axelrod: How do you know he went in nine times? [51], Victims' families have also cited overcrowding in the venue as a cause for the causalities during the fire. And people stood and watched it, and some people backed off. Michael and Jeff Derderian pleaded no contest to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and agreed to a deal. I needed for that day to come, she said. In the stampede, 21 people were killed. Biechele was released from prison on March 19, 2008. and I tripped over what I assume was a bar stool. He threw my wife, my cousin, my uncle, my sister out a window." He don't know. Linda Saran still places much of it on the Derderian brothers. Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider, who is featured in a REELZ documentary about the Warwick, Rhode Island Station nightclub fire, which killed some 100 attendees of a Great White concert in 2003, 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. Del Sesto said her life is told in three chapters now. One of the angles Lynch investigated was the Derderian brothers. MICHAEL DERDERIAN: I plead not guilty, your honor. This is a massive part of my life. [102] It is left for each state or local jurisdiction to legally enact and enforce the current code changes. So, to the people who think we don't own it I'm telling you, we DO own it ok? . She got out. The blaze began when the band Jack Russell's Great White took the stage and their tour manager set off four large fireworks. She wrote a book, meets with burn victims, talks to fire departments and fire safety groups across the country. 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. It was there, she said, that she found the best therapists: others who had been in the fire. 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. Hundreds of people ran to the only exit many of them knew the way they came in. Michael Derderian: Take this stuff down. Tracy King liked to entertain people with his unique talent. [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. The Feb. 20, 2003. Vanner has no excuses. [30] Longley reportedly died after returning to the building to retrieve his guitar. The fire was the fourth-deadliest at a nightclub in U.S. history, and the second-deadliest in New England, behind the 1942 Cocoanut Grove fire, which resulted in 492 deaths. It made me realize, I might be only one person, but my story and my injuries were making people listen, she said. But never once do they say, "we screwed up." At the scene, Jody King was desperate for information about his brother, and began to fear the worst. And it was ugly. On May 20, 2003, nondenominational services began to be held at the site of the fire for a number of months. [48] The capacity for the Station was either 258 or 404, depending on how the building was being used. These TIAs were subsequently incorporated into the 2006 edition of NFPA 101, along with additional exit requirements for new nightclub occupancies. I had the fire extinguisher in my hand, Vanner said. When I turned around, some people were already trying to leave, and others were just sitting there going, "Yeah, that's great!" For the first February in 15 years, Lisa Del Sesto said, she hasnt had the nightmares. Patrick Lynch: Did he do his job perfectly? During a concert by the rock band Great White, a pyrotechnic display ignited flammable acoustic foam in the walls and ceilings surrounding the stage. The Foam.". I ran across the room and I ran face-first into the wall. [21] The fire spread throughout the building and was completely engulfed within six minutes of the pyrotechnic ignition. [tears up] And the roof and just everything just fast, too fast. They would want to talk, she said, and they wouldnt freak. She sees telling the story of the Station fire as a way of preventing others from going through the same thing. [12] The rest of the lineup included guitarist Ty Longley, who died in the fire, bass guitarist Dave Felice, and drummer Eric Powers. 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. [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. And yet, at the point in time, I don't think I knew his name. In the end, the survivors and victims' families settled for a total of $176 million. [101], The Derderian brothers conducted their first television interview about the fire in 2021 for 48 Hours. 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 was the. He is now seven years sober from cocaine, although alcohol is a more pestering problem, he says. 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. 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. [48] The grand jury also did not return charges against Russell. You bury nine people in a period of less than two weeks, she said, and yeah, I think it affects you. Linda Saran: The foam was raining down and the flames are dripping from the ceiling. 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. Many of the families believed that the punishment was just; others had hoped for a more severe sentence. Jim Axelrod: Who's responsible for that foam going up on the wall? And then the main exit that hallway where everyone came through. Her father has seven brothers, Pimentel said, and she was especially close to Carlos. Jody King says his brother enjoyed working for the Derderians. He was out there, and he just loved being in the center. [4] The nightclub was purchased by brothers Michael and Jeffrey Derderian in March 2000. Jeff Derderian: You know a day doesn't go by that we don't think about it in some way, shape or form. Jim Axelrod: To people who feel that the two of you have never said we own this what do you say? Also there that night was Bates College student Phil Barr, who was home for winter break. And I was responsible for the day to day. Seconds later, flames appeared on the back wall. 9. 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. Petrarca remembers one of the most beautiful moments shes had. 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? The story of three survivors that were trapped when the massive Cypress Street viaduct collapsed. Her fianc, Alfred Freddy Crisostomi, did not. 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. Scott James: They only have about 60 seconds to get out of the building if they're going to live. And that's when I noticed the black on my arms. The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I., was on fire . It had to be two minutes tops before the whole place was black smoke. Gina Russo of Cranston, R.I. is a survivor of the Station nightclub fire and president of The Station Fire Memorial Foundation. 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. And I was paying staff pricing for beer because I knew a guy. Jody King kneels at his brother Tracy's memorial. Even if he couldnt. [89] The band raised $185,000 for the Station Family Fund during the tour. [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. At the time of The Station fire, older clubs in Rhode Island weren't required to install sprinklers. Linda Saran: I said, "you know what? But it's fun. I figured I was on my own at that point.. Barr says when he came to, he felt excruciating pain near the base of his spine and burning on his face. The Derderians bought the club as an investment. 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. In February 2008, Providence television station. In fact, they did the opposite.". [2], Prior to being converted into a nightclub and concert venue, the Station building had been used as a restaurant and tavern. [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. I couldn't understand him or understand the magnitude of what was going on there. [60], Following Biechele's trial, The Station's owners, Michael and Jeffrey Derderian, were scheduled to receive separate trials. 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. I have to find him. The flanking gerbs became the principal cause of the fire. And I hear [moves her arms to the side with a whoosh] and out Deb went. Tracy died never giving up. Barr was now outside, but he felt like his lungs were on fire. S01:E01 - San Francisco Freeway Collapse. It was crowded, and it was getting bad. I know how this tragedy has devastated me, but I can only begin to understand what the people who lost loved ones have endured. [9][10][8] At the time of their performance at the Station, Great White only had two of its original members in its lineup: Lead singer Jack Russell and guitarist Mark Kendall. He wrote: "This is a company that is well aware of the dangers of polyurethane foam. I would forgive them in a heartbeat. Jeff Derderian: this is flammable you can't have this. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Dan McKee honored the victims, their families, and the first responders who saved many lives. We haven't played it since then and probably never will. [24] The first West Warwick fire engine arrived at the scene at 11:13 p.m., followed by three other trucks shortly thereafter. Absolutely not. In February 2006 three years after the station nightclub burned down many in Rhode Island were shocked to learn that instead of a trial, a plea deal had been reached with Daniel Biechele, the tour manager for the band Great White. In September 2008, The Jack Russell Tour Group Inc. offered $1 million in a settlement to survivors and victims' relatives. 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 is one consistent thing I have learned after 18 years in the He trusted the owners. And I knew the window was to my left. Shed read Russos book, about how the fire left her a bald chick, and it convinced her to go back out into the world. It just so happens that we're . Michael Derderian: Remember, I'm still in Florida. Within weeks, the National Fire Protection Association committee met to regulate code for "assembly occupancies." But many, including the brothers, feel strongly Laroque should also have been charged. Fifteen years from now, she hopes, her students will go by the park, and have a memory, a connection, with the 100 people whose names and faces are etched into black granite squares arrayed throughout the park. 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 Scott James: He writes up this long, almost a manifesto about all the things that he thinks are wrong in that foam company that led to this tragedy. She spoke with the Globe about Jefferey and Michael Derderian, the . He said if there's. The fire left her with burns over 40 percent of her body, it incinerated her hair. I don't even like to talk about it. Survivor Phil Barr arrived to The Station early the night of the concert. For the Derderians, the "full story" begins with the issue of permission.