I miss Tina a lot. [94] Russell's group made its first New England appearance in twelve years at a harvest festival in Mechanic Falls, Maine, in August 2015. The second was the time from that night until the dedication of the memorial last spring. Linda Saran: I could have missed it all. Like, "get away from the building." He trusted the owners. Since I had been there earlier in the night, I knew that there was at least an exit in the back barroom. Jack Russell declined "48 Hours"' request for an interview. Isn't that an important fact in determining who's at fault? [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. The fire started shortly after Great White began performing their opening number, "Desert Moon". It just so happens that we're evacuated due to the CZU complex fire but hey that's how. Eighteen years later, there is no consensus among survivors when it comes to blame. And he's like he don't know. And Paul Vanner didnt like what he saw. JACK RUSSELL [news interview]: Rock and Roll is supposed to be fun, not deadly you know. Jim Axelrod: There are so many people still to this day angry that the case didn't go to trial. [2], Prior to the fire, the Station often hosted concerts by 1980s hard rock groups and tribute bands. SAN JOSE (BCN) - Three people were injured in a shooting that occurred Saturday morning at San Jose's Aura nightclub. [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". 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. 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. 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. 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. This is a company that did little to educate their employees about the limits of polyurethane foam. 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. In 2017 a memorial was opened to honor the100 innocent lives that were tragically lost in The Station fire, including Tracy King, who died saving so many others. Her father has seven brothers, Pimentel said, and she was especially close to Carlos. But their plans for the future would suddenly change. I could have missed my daughter's high school graduation, the birth of her children. View All 100 Memorials for the The Station Nightclub Fire Site. It's not just about hitting the next goal but doing something really meaningful. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. [58], On September 19, 2007, the Rhode Island Parole Board announced that Biechele would be released in March 2008. [81] In August 2016, the site was reported to have been being used as a PokeStop in Pokmon Go, to uproar from victims' families. that door being up, there is no question that that increased the likelihood that many, many more would perish. Patrick Lynch: They are running the operation. 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.. [80], A permanent memorial at the site of the fire has been erected and named the Station Fire Memorial Park. [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. The Guest List: The Station Nightclub Fire, America's Deadliest Rock Concert will premiere on Sunday, February 20, 2022. you could not see your hand in front of your face. But I dont want it to define the rest of my life. Lying on the floor not far from the horseshoe bar, Barr lost consciousness. Jeff Derderian: We tried to get as far as we could. I couldn't hear screaming anymore. And they're quick to point out the club was inspected by their insurance company, and multiple times by the local Fire Marshal Denis Laroque. [52] Speaking to the public for the first time since the fire, Biechele stated: For three years, I've wanted to be able to speak to the people that were affected by this tragedy, but I know that there's nothing that I can say or do that will undo what happened that night. In the aftermath, West Warwick, Rhode Island TV news reporter Jeff Derderian wanted to run a story on nightclub safety. There was nothing heroic about what I did.. Patrick Lynch: You're telling me it wasn't, and I don't know that it wasn't. He had an unlikely friend rooting for him. Jeff Derderian: Because in my mind I had nothing to hide. Survivor Phil Barr arrived to The Station early the night of the concert. There was no one coming out the back door anymore. His work was instrumental in amassing 176 million dollars in settlements from persons and corporations responsible for the fire. 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 was liquid fire. [4] The nightclub was purchased by brothers Michael and Jeffrey Derderian in March 2000. He spent 33 months in prison, while Jeff had to do 500 hours of community service. He threw my wife, my cousin, my uncle, my sister out a window." Vanner doesnt know when the night will be over. Linda Saran: My hospital roommate, he and I took turns driving the respiratory therapist crazy in some ways it's almost like being in war together. Michael Derderian: But that door became impassable almost within seconds because clearly there's foam that's burning at 800 or 1,500 degrees. "I literally baked alive," says Linda Barr. " And I fell down the stairs, out that door. [101], The Derderian brothers conducted their first television interview about the fire in 2021 for 48 Hours. Linda Saran: They have said they were sorry. And if we could change it, we would. For the Derderians, the "full story" begins with the issue of permission. "[58] The state parole board received approximately twenty letters, the majority of which expressed their sympathy and support for Biechele, some going as far as to describe him as a "scapegoat" with limited responsibility. [38] Derderian had begun working for WPRI on February 17, three days before the fire. According to Lynch, under Rhode Island law, the fire marshal could not be criminally charged unless there was evidence of bad faith or malice. As it turns out, the foam they used was highly flammable. And they played the arenas. [62], In a letter to the victims' families, Judge Darigan wrote that he accepted the deal because he wanted to avoid "Public exposition of the tragic, explicit and horrific events experienced by the victims of this fire, both living and dead. Jim Axelrod: To people who feel that the two of you have never said we own this what do you say? The fire began as rock band Great White played to the crowd. You know people didn't react instantly. And I was responsible for the day to day. They are speaking out about the fire for the first time. [84] In September 2012, the owner of the land, Ray Villanova, donated the site to the SFMF. Biechele pleaded guilty to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and was sentenced to four years in prison. Tracy died never giving up. And then, ever so slowly, he learned to walk again. Michael Derderian: Correct. Jim Axelrod: When you come to, you're in a hospital room. there are other people who should be responsible. They all later accepted plea deals. And I took a good look and I said, "Oh, st, I'm burned.". As numerous violations of existing codes contributed to the severity of the fire, there was immediate effort to strengthen fire code protections. 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. [12] The rest of the lineup included guitarist Ty Longley, who died in the fire, bass guitarist Dave Felice, and drummer Eric Powers. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. I found my soul was wanting.. And yet, at the point in time, I don't think I knew his name. A surgery to correct a childhood ailment with his ears left him able to balance objects on his chin. [9] Two gerbs were at 45-degree angles, with the middle two pointing straight up. But for anyone who was in The Station nightclub on Feb. 20, 2003, she said, a night out triggers an awareness. We have an exit through the kitchen. We're running out of time." [11] For the 2003 tour, the band was billed as "Jack Russell's Great White". She said she spent years after that in pain and anger. About 40 seconds after the song began, Great White stopped the show and all but one member of the band escaped through the stage door exit. [76] Another memorial was later that night the West Warwick Civic Center. Petrarca was sitting near the bar that night in 2003, about five feet from a door, when the fire broke out. So many ways this could have been avoided, Matthew Hoffman, an East Greenwich, R.I. resident, told WPRI. They were told to take it down. [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. Phil Barr: I couldn't hear alarms. You were not approaching that area at all. Marc Goldbaum is the development producer. Share. They go for 15 seconds and they go 15 feet into the air. I try to say it in the lightest way possible, she said. 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 [95][49], Neither version of Great White performed in any of the six New England states for over a decade following the fire. [89] The band raised $185,000 for the Station Family Fund during the tour. When I turned around, some people were already trying to leave, and others were just sitting there going, "Yeah, that's great!" Scott James: It should not have happened. 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. Now in private practice, Lynch says he looked into a host of people. I couldn't hear noise. I noticed when the pyro stopped, the flame had kept going on both sides. 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. As Great White started their first song, their tour manager Daniel Biechele set off four large fireworks called gerbs. Linda Saran: When I first went out the window, I landed on the stairs. And I never expected it to take off as fast as it did. 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. For the first February in 15 years, Lisa Del Sesto said, she hasnt had the nightmares. *One SAVE card issued per household that experiences 25% or greater damage to a primary residence. Great White was part of the lawsuit. Everybody just kind of turned. . Patrick Lynch: I don't think there's any question that had that door not been up a significant number of people would have survived. The Station was a nightclub that was located on the corner of Cowesett Avenue and Kulas Road in West Warwick, Rhode Island. [tearing up] "What a great brother you have. The flanking gerbs became the principal cause of the 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. Phil Barr: We kind of crouched down behind some of the people in front of us. They didn't even let him talk about it. A decade ago, a survivor . This is the time to leave. One guy did crawl out. I ran across the room and I ran face-first into the wall. [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]. Phil Barr [teary-eyed]: Getting another opportunity to live my life came with enormous responsibility. Built in 1946, the wooden Station nightclub was grandfathered into an exception for laws requiring ceiling fire sprinklers. A California woman who had been injured in an accident and hadnt left her house in five years wrote her, she said. 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. And that's when it starts to hit you all that you've lost. Michael owned a financial services business; Jeff was a local news reporter. Kat Teurfs is the associate producer. Jim Axelrod: And then it just got engulfed in flames? [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. That effort raised about $10,000 over seven years to help pay for the construction of the memorial park. And I sent it to her and the best compliment I ever got was oh, his hairs fantastic.. Jeff Derderian, seated right, says, "You know a day doesn't go by that we don't think about it in some way, shape or form.". [86][87] The memorial dedication ceremony took place on May 21, 2017. "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. 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. This is a massive part of my life. Within six minutes, the entire building was engulfed in flames. [92], Russell left Great White in 2010. For people to know you can go there now and look at this beautiful park and talk to your person thats what I love about it.. [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. 0:57. There was a table in the way at the door, and I pulled that out just to get it out of the way so people could get out easier. [9] The lack of usable exits were also a factor, as was the inward door that Larocque had found and asked to be removed. 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. But even more than walking, Phil wanted to return to swimming. [28] By 1:30 a.m. on February 21, all patients had been transported and the street had been cleared. Great White's tour manager Daniel Biechele also faced the same charges. How did you meet him? A West Warwick police officer who was already at the scene also reported the fire to police dispatch. I figured I was on my own at that point.. Patrick Lynch: while troubling, concerning, maddening it doesn't mean that somebody should be charged or can be. [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. [9] Although Warner was called to testify to a grand jury, he was not asked about the fax. That's all I can keep seeing in my head. I went over, put my hands against the glass, and I started kicking at that window and it wouldn't break. 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. She paused, her eyes tearing. [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. Club owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian reached a settlement of $813,000 with survivors and victims' families in September 2008. Biechele pleaded guilty to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter, and Michael and Jeff Derderian pleaded no contest. The Station nightclub fire would become one of the deadliest fires in a club in U.S. history. it became very, very hard to breathe. Jody King: I'm so proud to say he's my brother. "48 Hours" is not showing any of that footage. I couldn't get up. I'll be right back." Their story starts three years before the fire. 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. He sees his actions as a verdict on his own humanity. The charge is pending. But Saturday night, as . I had the fire extinguisher in my hand, Vanner said. And I said my hands won't work. If they stood up and said, small business owners, we were inexperienced.
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