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. *One SAVE card issued per household that experiences 25% or greater damage to a primary residence. I miss Tina a lot. [81] In August 2016, the site was reported to have been being used as a PokeStop in Pokmon Go, to uproar from victims' families. Scott James: When people arrive, they walk through this entrance and this kinda longish hallway. And he says you can. Jim Axelrod: If the brothers are relying on the fire marshal to tell them whether or not they can continue to do business. [26] The Cowesett Inn restaurant across the street from the Station acted as an ad-hoc burn triage and command center for first responders. Since I had been there earlier in the night, I knew that there was at least an exit in the back barroom. She endured more than 50 operations. once you could no longer see, it was total pandemonium. Jeff Derderian: They didn't even bring up the fax to him. [4] The nightclub was purchased by brothers Michael and Jeffrey Derderian in March 2000. [61] Michael Derderian received fifteen years in prison, with four to serve and eleven years suspended, plus three years' probationthe same sentence as Biechele. And I took a good look and I said, "Oh, st, I'm burned.". 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. Phil Barr fought to breathe on his own. 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]. And I sent it to her and the best compliment I ever got was oh, his hairs fantastic.. 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. We haven't played it since then and probably never will. In a statement, Rhode Island Gov. Scott James: It smelled like spilled beer and stale cigarettes and everything was just a little bit frayed at the edge. He wrote: "This is a company that is well aware of the dangers of polyurethane foam. 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. Bruce Cain also lost someone who he was prepared to spend the rest of his life with. [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. [9] In 2008, American Foam agreed to pay $6.3 million to the families of the victims of the fire. I don't know that I'll ever forgive myself for what happened that night, so I can't expect anybody else to. It took about five years to come to terms with that, she said. I am proud. That evening she had a girl's night out with a friend while her young daughter was at a sleepover. One of the angles Lynch investigated was the Derderian brothers. He turned back to see the crowd bottle-necked at the stage. Jim Axelrod: Mr. Warner's fax wasn't presented to the grand jury, correct? The pyrotechnics were gerbs, cylindrical devices that produce a controlled spray of sparks. Updated on: October 24, 2021 / 2:07 AM In September 2008, The Jack Russell Tour Group Inc. offered $1 million in a settlement to survivors and victims' relatives. [1] The building that would become The Station was built in 1946 and was originally used as a gin mill. [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. Even if he died trying. [84] In September 2012, the owner of the land, Ray Villanova, donated the site to the SFMF. I did not lead them out, he said dismissively. They all later accepted plea deals. He said if there's. A surgery to correct a childhood ailment with his ears left him able to balance objects on his chin. Her father has seven brothers, Pimentel said, and she was especially close to Carlos. [39] WPRI-TV and Derderian were criticized for the conflict of interest in having a reporter do a report concerning his own property. [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]. 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. [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. Jim Axelrod: When the foam came, was there anything on the packaging that indicated that it was highly flammable? He spent 33 months in prison, while Jeff had to do 500 hours of community service. You walk on the property, and it doesnt feel tragic anymore. JACK RUSSELL [news interview]: Rock and Roll is supposed to be fun, not deadly you know. Jim Axelrod: Who's responsible for that foam going up on the wall? His work was instrumental in amassing 176 million dollars in settlements from persons and corporations responsible for the fire. I come down every year and play the [bagpipes], he told WCVB. I noticed when the pyro stopped, the flame had kept going on both sides. [57], On September 4, 2007, some families of the fire's victims expressed their support for Biechele's parole. For the first few years she shunned memorial ceremonies but eventually was convinced to go. They go for 15 seconds and they go 15 feet into the air. [49] In 2013, Kendall told The Providence Journal that he maintained amicable contact with some survivors, victims' families, and the Station Fire Memorial Foundation. [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. To the families of those who died on that devastating day: Rhode Island will never forget your loved ones and we will always stand by you, McKee said in the statement. Michael Derderian: That is correct. [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. [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. The fire left her with burns over 40 percent of her body, it incinerated her hair. And people just stood there. Stephen Sweet, a Quincy firefighter who lost his cousin Shawn Sweet in the fire, came to play the bagpipes at a memorial ceremony Monday, WCVB reported. [37] The report had been inspired by the E2 nightclub stampede in Chicago that killed 21 people three days earlier. 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. Michael Derderian: But that door became impassable almost within seconds because clearly there's foam that's burning at 800 or 1,500 degrees. [97] Russell raised about $180 from the concert, but the Memorial Foundation refused the donation, a decision supported by Kendall. The Guest List: The Station Nightclub Fire, America's Deadliest Rock Concert will premiere on Sunday, February 20, 2022. I would forgive them in a heartbeat. I will never forget that night, and I will never forget the people that were hurt by it. Linda Saran still places much of it on the Derderian brothers. In 2003, 100 people died and over 200 were injured at a rock concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island. Club owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian reached a settlement of $813,000 with survivors and victims' families in September 2008. [12] Russell's relation with some survivors and families has been strained, although he remains close to Longley's family. And it was ugly. I would see the burn survivors, whom Im lucky enough to call friends, Del Sesto said. Tracy King liked to entertain people with his unique talent. it was also on fire. Russo said that the memorial serves a valuable purpose today for those who knew victims. Those at the nightclub had to act soon, as smoke was visible in the exit doorways in just over one minute. Michael Derderian: I don't know about that. And settled for $1 million. 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. According to Bostonherald.com, a memorial fund that raises money for survivors of The Station nightclub fire received at least $25,000 in donations after a benefit concert aired on television, organizers said today.. [89] The band raised $185,000 for the Station Family Fund during the tour. The Feb. 20, 2003. Michael Derderian: No. That happened in 2001. The Station nightclub fire would become one of the deadliest fires in a club in U.S. history. 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. But she refuses to live in the past. 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. This is the main bar where you can get your drinks. [58] Others pointed out that Biechele had sent handwritten letters to the families of each of the 100 victims and that he had a work release position in a local charity. 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. 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. PROVIDENCE Over the years Dave Kane has had to find a place to store his outrage over losing his 18-year-old son, Nicholas, in The Station nightclub fire in 2003. [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. Michael Derderian: The club was sold. The Station was owned by brothers Jeff and Michael Derderian. You should be proud." But I should have at least tried.. Michael Derderian: They got this fax and it went on to describe the business practices of the foam company. And then, ever so slowly, he learned to walk again. Sparks from the gerbs ignited the insulation foam, and flames were visible on the wall above the stage within nine seconds of their ignition. And they played the arenas. [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. 9. local Four nonstop. [2] The final tally by The Providence Journal of people inside the Station during the fire totaled 462. 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. What kind of club was this? "We went out on a Thursday night to listen to music, drink some beers and have a good time. Phil Barr: I asked my pulmonologist, you know, "when can I get back in the pool?" [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. He trusted in his friends. And that's when the crowd realizes this is a real danger and we have to get out of here. It was that fast. Seconds later, flames appeared on the back wall. Phil Barr: We kind of crouched down behind some of the people in front of us. The fire was now out of control; it had spread along the foam that lined the walls and ceiling intended to dampen sound. It fuels you. . 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. She spoke with the Globe about Jefferey and Michael Derderian, the . And then, ever so slowly, he learned to walk again. Monday marked the 20th anniversary of the Station nightclub fire, one of the deadliest blazes to ever occur at a nightclub in the United States. 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.". Those who were trapped inside The Station when the flames started knew they needed to get out fast. Great White's tour manager Daniel Biechele also faced the same charges. "It's hard to describe the level of agony. It was completely preventable. 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. Dan Biechele, center, at his sentencing. We couldn't make it. That's all I can keep seeing in my head. He was granted parole and then released after 22 months. [32] In April 2003, The Derderians were fined $1.07 million for failing to carry workers' compensation insurance for their employees. It couldnt continue another 10, 15 years, it couldnt. [22] During the performance, pyrotechnics set off by tour manager Daniel Biechele ignited the flammable acoustic foam on both sides and the top center of the drummer's alcove at the back of the stage. I was asked to work the merch table for the band, so I was getting 40 bucks and two T-shirts. 0:57. But their plans for the future would suddenly change. 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. That is the furthest exit away from the stage But it's a relatively straight line. 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. [25] Fire departments in Warwick, Coventry, and Cranston rendered mutual aid to the fire site. Scott James: You have four exits. [9] The lack of usable exits were also a factor, as was the inward door that Larocque had found and asked to be removed. [5] Local bands that had played at the Station prior to the fire had used pyrotechnics during their concerts without incident, including a Kiss tribute band that had set off fireballs during their show in August 2002. [48] The grand jury also did not return charges against Russell. Many of the families believed that the punishment was just; others had hoped for a more severe sentence. Today Phil Barr is married and a father of two little girls. [60] As of 2013[update], Biechele lived in Florida with his wife and two children. So, it was not a great decision to use these inside a nightclub that only has 12-foot ceilings. Patrick Lynch: You're telling me it wasn't, and I don't know that it wasn't. At the scene, Jody King was desperate for information about his brother, and began to fear the worst. "[55] Biechele was released in March 2008. People say they just feel peaceful, Russo told the Globe. ", "We are now at 65, and that may be higher ", Jeff Derderian: "Can you come in? At least 12 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, The Saturday Six: Dental device controversy, scientist's bug find and more, Trump speaks at CPAC after winning straw poll, 3 children killed, 2 others wounded at Texas home, Man charged for alleged involvement in 2 transformer explosions, Nikki Haley slams potential GOP contenders, and Trump and George W. Bush, Duo of 81-year-old women plan to see the world in 80 days, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant to "take some time away" from the team after allegedly brandishing a gun in a club, Alex Murdaugh trial: What to know about the double murder case. Flames were seen breaking through a part of the roof in less than five minutes. 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. [95], Russell performed a benefit show in February 2013 in Hermosa Beach, California in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the fire. Linda Saran and Phil Barr, badly injured, were transported to a local hospital. Jim Axelrod: To people who feel that the two of you have never said we own this what do you say? [93] In the years following the fire, Great White split into two separate groups, one led by Russell and the other by Kendall. PATRICK LYNCH [press conference]: We have an investigation on going and we need help, we need answers and I'm trying to get them. [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. I couldn't hear noise. But, you know, they have this following to this day . fine against Station Nightclub owners upheld", "Station nightclub fire survivor tells how she's moved on in new book", "The Station fire took emotional toll on survivors, study finds", "Tentative $30 million deal in R. I. nightclub fire", "TV station that assigned reporter to cover his own nightclub raises ethical issue", "Station Video Spurs Lawsuit - Pollstar News", "Nightclub owner resigns from WPRI television", "Report of the Technical Investigation of The Station Nightclub Fire: Appendices (NIST NCSTAR 2), Volume 2", "Grand Jury Convened to Probe Deadly R.I. But for anyone who was in The Station nightclub on Feb. 20, 2003, she said, a night out triggers an awareness. 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. Jim Axelrod: And then it just got engulfed in flames? On February 20, 2003, in West Warwick, Rhode Island, the fourth deadliest nightclub fire in United States history occurred in The Station nightclub. [94] Russell's group made its first New England appearance in twelve years at a harvest festival in Mechanic Falls, Maine, in August 2015. Honored to have been able to attend such an in depth and eye opening training opportunity. [9] Although Warner was called to testify to a grand jury, he was not asked about the fax. And why wasn't the foam company charged? "[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. Nothing lifts his despair. It is the fourth-deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history. Today she is president of the Station Fire Memorial Foundation, the group that oversaw the construction of the memorial park. And that's when it starts to hit you all that you've lost.
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