station nightclub fire survivors list

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]. The first was her life before Feb. 20, 2003. The roof was caving in, walls were caving in, body after body in front of me. Firefighters responded within five minutes, and the building was fully engulfed within six minutes, according to a timeline assembled by WPRI. On May 20, 2003, nondenominational services began to be held at the site of the fire for a number of months. 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. and I just kind of went down on my face. Michael and Jeff Derderian pleaded no contest to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and agreed to a deal. [9], The fire was reported to the West Warwick Fire Department by cellular phone calls to 911 within sixty seconds of ignition[24]. Biechele. For the first few years she shunned memorial ceremonies but eventually was convinced to go. Jim Axelrod: How do you know he went in nine times? 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. I just don't find him as guilty of anything. Tracy King worked at The Station as a bouncer. [38] Derderian had begun working for WPRI on February 17, three days before the fire. [24] The first West Warwick fire engine arrived at the scene at 11:13 p.m., followed by three other trucks shortly thereafter. 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. S01:E01 - San Francisco Freeway Collapse. [4] Another restaurant opened in the building in 1974. [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. Phil Barr awoke after three weeks in a medically induced coma and was told his lungs had been badly damaged. One guy did crawl out. They should have blamed more. Cassidy was questioned by Customs and Border Protection in 2016, three sources familiar with the probe . The Derderians say that in the three years they owned the club, no one ever questioned the safety of the foam. [81] In August 2016, the site was reported to have been being used as a PokeStop in Pokmon Go, to uproar from victims' families. 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. 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.". 0:57. 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 crime scene evidence that convicted Alex Murdaugh, How a tragic boating crash is connected to the family of Alex Murdaugh, Five deaths with a connection to Alex Murdaugh's family investigated, Husband of woman murdered with an ax convicted 40 years after her death. I don't know that I'll ever forgive myself for what happened that night, so I can't expect anybody else to. The brothers have since learned that the fire marshal should have tested the foam on the wall. 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: 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. "It's hard to describe the level of agony. 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. 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. [30] Longley reportedly died after returning to the building to retrieve his guitar. Flames can be seen on the back wall. Michael Derderian: Zero. In a statement, Rhode Island Gov. It is the fourth-deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history. (WJAR) WEST WARWICK . Barr was now outside, but he felt like his lungs were on fire. Her father has seven brothers, Pimentel said, and she was especially close to Carlos. [102] It is left for each state or local jurisdiction to legally enact and enforce the current code changes. [48] Some victims' families criticized the 48 Hours segment and the Derderians' involvement. One of them is never say die, never give up. The shooting was first reported at 12:04 a.m. in the 300 block of S. 1st . 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 brothers have always maintained that they never gave the band permission to use pyrotechnics. The charge is pending. Survivors and friends of survivors active in the effort to turn the nightclub site in West Warwick into a memorial park recount the emotional journeys that brought them from 2003 to 2018.. ", "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? Russo said that the memorial serves a valuable purpose today for those who knew victims. "There really weren't that many people around early in the night. Phil Barr: I asked my pulmonologist, you know, "when can I get back in the pool?" This is solid gasoline. Todd King, a founder of The Station Family Fund, said today the fund . He trusted in his friends. 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. That effort raised about $10,000 over seven years to help pay for the construction of the memorial park. It was already in contract. I ran across the room and I ran face-first into the wall. Dan McKee honored the victims, their families, and the first responders who saved many lives. [59], Biechele's parole and probation expired in March 2011. Jody King: He trusted the club. Published on August 10, 2017 09:05 AM. Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. 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. Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch opened an investigation and convened a grand jury to determine if anyone should face criminal charges. Jeff Derderian: They didn't even bring up the fax to him. Jody King kneels at his brother Tracy's memorial. Jody King: I spent the next five or six hours going back and forth in the parking lot talking to firemen, asking firemen, "can you please pull the sheets back for me? he was very kind about it, but he said, "I don't ever see you competitively swimming again." 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. 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. I refused to accept that as the outcome. I kicked out a side window to try to get people out of there. Eighteen years later, there is no consensus among survivors when it comes to blame. [88], Russell considered disbanding Great White after the fire, but reconsidered when he decided to embark on a benefit tour. Pyrotechnics ignited foam insulation that lined the walls and ceiling around the stage, the National Institute of Standards and Technology concluded. there was nothing that would make it so you couldn't get out of it. Gina Russo, a survivor of The Station nightclub fire. A surgery to correct a childhood ailment with his ears left him able to balance objects on his chin. Kat Teurfs is the associate producer. [44] The NIST report was released on March 3, 2005 and was made available in two parts on June 30, 2005. It was liquid fire," says former Attorney General Patrick Lynch, who investigated the disaster. Michael Derderian: It would have been horrific to have people go through this. Fifteen years since that terrible night. The brothers say they are still haunted by the events of that horrific night. It had to end, for me and it ended in the most beautiful way.. 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 Like Barr, Linda Saran had also spent three weeks in a medically induced coma. Michael spent 33 months in prison, while Jeff had to do 500 hours of community service. "48 Hours" has confirmed the fax wasnotpresented to the grand jury. "Literally laid there and said, 'God please just take care of my family,' because I knew I was going to die,'" survivor Linda Saran recalls. [94] Kendall's version of the band holds the copyright for the Great White name. [9], The foam was sold to the Derderians by American Foam. [3] A fire had previously occurred at the building in 1972 while it was used as a restaurant called Julio's. Jeff Derderian: Why is it OK that the fire marshal is allowed to miss something or make a mistake and what he did was just an oops, but what we did was criminal? Phil Barr: I went around the people trying to push to the front door. That happened in 2002. I don't care what I'm going to see.". into the main barroom. you could not see your hand in front of your face. [24] Hundreds of firefighters responded to the fire, including every available West Warwick firefighter. At the opening of the park I had 100 students from my school come, and I had to explain it all so I gave them their learning experience, she said of last Mays dedication of the park on the site of the Station nightclub. Jim Axelrod: Does this mean you feel a sense of responsibility? [12] Russell's relation with some survivors and families has been strained, although he remains close to Longley's family. SAN JOSE (BCN) - Three people were injured in a shooting that occurred Saturday morning at San Jose's Aura nightclub. He got a tire iron from his car, smashed the glass, and started pulling people out. 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. The trunk bears the names of the fire victims. Susan Nicol. He wasnt charged with a crime, but his thoughts punish him. They said a critical piece of evidence was never presented to the grand jury. [29] The initial death toll was 96 people; Four more individuals died in the hospital in the weeks following, bringing the toll to 100. The Station nightclub in West Warwick burned down on Feb. 20, 2003, during a concert by rock band Great White, leaving 100 people dead and more than 200 injured. In 2003, 100 people died and over 200 were injured at a rock concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island. My parents taught us a lot, a lot of things. [21] Twenty seconds after the pyrotechnics ended, the band stopped playing and lead singer Jack Russell calmly remarked into the microphone, "Wow that's not good. Mon, February 20th 2023, 8:29 PM PST. I couldn't play an instrument. it became very, very hard to breathe. A staggering 100 lives were lost. Jim Axelrod: Over the course of the investigation, what did you learn about the way the brothers ran their business? [2][46] On December 9, 2003, the grand jury announced indictments against Station owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian and Great White road manager Daniel M. and I tripped over what I assume was a bar stool. We have an exit through the kitchen. Michael Derderian: Take this stuff down. The Derderians say despite their love for the club the business had peaked, and they were in the process of selling it. Great White was part of the lawsuit. Brandon Fravale, a survivor of The Station nightclub fire, speaks with NBC 10 on how he copes with survivor's guilt. 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. As were going down the stairs to get into the comedy club, in the heart of Times Square, the first thought that goes through my mind: I come back and look and go: Are there two exits down there? she said. Michael Derderian: I don't know about that. He had an unlikely friend rooting for him. "I literally baked alive," says Linda Barr. " At 55, he lives with his parents and keeps to himself. And if we could change it, we would. [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. 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. And why wasn't the foam company charged? Linda Saran: Yes. 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. 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. Linda Saran: I could have missed it all. As Great White started their first song, their tour manager Daniel Biechele set off four large fireworks called gerbs. Her fianc, Alfred Freddy Crisostomi, who was behind her, pushing her toward the door, perished. Phil Barr fought to breathe on his own. Jim Axelrod: If you have a message that you want the people of Rhode Island to hear, there were plenty of ways to get it out long before now. [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. You walk on the property, and it doesnt feel tragic anymore. Like, "get away from the building." Jack Russell declined "48 Hours"' request for an interview. I've been after this bike for over 4 years and I finally got the call! After 15 years of it being a dominant part of her everyday life, she said she is ready for it to be a part of her past. Even if he couldnt. I couldn't hear screaming anymore. Even if he died trying. [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. The Guest List is a strikingly visual film. The brothers sent a fax to the foam company specifically asking for sound 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. He is now seven years sober from cocaine, although alcohol is a more pestering problem, he says. The February 25 concert at the Dunkin' Donuts Center was broadcast Sunday night on VH1 and VH1 Classic. I couldn't hear noise. I can only pray that they understand that I would do anything to undo what happened that night and give them back their loved ones. And I never expected it to take off as fast as it did. When I turned around, some people were already trying to leave, and others were just sitting there going, "Yeah, that's great!" And I was paying staff pricing for beer because I knew a guy. Jim Axelrod: There are so many people still to this day angry that the case didn't go to trial. Scott James: It should not have happened. The flanking gerbs became the principal cause of the fire. [4] The nightclub was purchased by brothers Michael and Jeffrey Derderian in March 2000. At the scene, Jody King was desperate for information about his brother, and began to fear the worst. Things that bring back memories of that night we try to stay away from. Linda Saran: I think a lot of people miss out on the moments. Jody King: He went on David Letterman twice to do Stupid Human Tricks. [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. You bury nine people in a period of less than two weeks, she said, and yeah, I think it affects you. Now in private practice, Lynch says he looked into a host of people. Season 1. "[55] Biechele was released in March 2008. Vanner has no excuses. You should be proud." ", "20 years later, the effects of the Station nightclub fire still linger - The Boston Globe", "The Great White Nightclub Fire: Ten Years Later", "In West Warwick firefighters' hearts, the disaster isn't over", "How a West Warwick restaurant became a triage center for burn victims", "20th anniversary of New England nightclub fire that killed 100", "State supreme court to review penalty for employee deaths in R.I. fire - UPI.com", "Workers comp. The Foam.". The Station was a nightclub that was located on the corner of Cowesett Avenue and Kulas Road in West Warwick, Rhode Island. I thought how terrible it was that my daughter was going to grow up without her mom. And then the main exit that hallway where everyone came through. There isn't a guilt in terms of like, that we knowingly did this or or caused it but there's a guilt that we it happened on our watch, happened on our watch. He was granted parole and then released after 22 months. Jim Axelrod: Mr. Warner's fax wasn't presented to the grand jury, correct? But with last springs dedication of the memorial on the old nightclub site, Del Sesto said she thinks she has found a way not to forget, but to live with the memories. Within six minutes, the entire building was engulfed in flames. I never imagined that anyone ever would be. S01:E02 - Joplin Tornado. But it's fun. I went over, put my hands against the glass, and I started kicking at that window and it wouldn't break. S01:E03 - Station Nightclub Fire. The brother's plea deal stated only one of them would go to prison. It had to be two minutes tops before the whole place was black smoke. Marc Goldbaum is the development producer. [51], Victims' families have also cited overcrowding in the venue as a cause for the causalities during the fire. Linda Saran: I said, "you know what? She took a photograph of the stone of a man who died and sent it to his daughter in California. Its irrelevant.. Produced by Betsy Shuller and Chris Young Ritzen. Jody King: Nine different families have come up to me and said "thank you for having a great brother. 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. As the crowd bottlenecked at the clubs entrance, thick black smoke poured out of the building and over their heads. [28], Of the 462 people in the building for the concert, 100 were killed, 230 were injured, and 132 escaped uninjured. DANIEL BIECHELE [at sentencing hearing in tears]: I don't know that I will ever forgive myself for what happened that night. 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. Scott James: I decided I would start asking some questions. And that's when the crowd realizes this is a real danger and we have to get out of here. And people just stood there. . He turned back to see the crowd bottle-necked at the stage. I could have missed that My friends that didn't survive that night have missed that. It didn't have a lock on it. Its surreal. He was worried about his brother Tracy who worked there as a bouncer. [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. And I was responsible for the day to day. Jeffrey Derderian received 500 hours of community service. As we mark 20 years since that night, here are those who. And it was ugly. [61] Michael Derderian received fifteen years in prison, with four to serve and eleven years suspended, plus three years' probationthe same sentence as Biechele. 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, 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. And, according to the brothers, it was one of the first exits used when the fire started. He was the. One of the angles Lynch investigated was the Derderian brothers. It fuels you. Tracy King liked to entertain people with his unique talent. VIEW ALL PHOTOS. Jim Axelrod: Did you have enough time to form those complete thoughts? [26] The Cowesett Inn restaurant across the street from the Station acted as an ad-hoc burn triage and command center for first responders. 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. 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. Barr was located between the stage and the front door. And that song reminds us of that night. Jeff Derderian: None of the inspections and then follow-up inspections. It seems like yesterday We were going to get married in June and she passed away in February, Cain told CBS. I noticed when the pyro stopped, the flame had kept going on both sides. 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. You know people didn't react instantly. It would have been my legacy, Vanner said. Since he co-owned The Station nightclub with his brother Michael Derderian, Jeff suggested it as a venue for generic nightclub footage. [101], The Derderian brothers conducted their first television interview about the fire in 2021 for 48 Hours. "[58], Dave Kane and Joanne O'Neill, parents of youngest victim Nicholas O'Neill, released their letter to the board to reporters. The result is poignant footage contrasting very different life stories. It made me realize, I might be only one person, but my story and my injuries were making people listen, she said. A West Warwick police officer who was already at the scene also reported the fire to police dispatch. And I hear [moves her arms to the side with a whoosh] and out Deb went. I look at my scars every day. But he didn't know what. The first time I went to counseling, I made the therapist cry, Del Sesto said. Many of the families believed that the punishment was just; others had hoped for a more severe sentence. Survivor Phil Barr arrived to The Station early the night of the concert. These TIAs were subsequently incorporated into the 2006 edition of NFPA 101, along with additional exit requirements for new nightclub occupancies. Lourdes Aguiar is the senior producer. 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]. And by then, the black smoke was pouring out over their heads. Purchase and sale had been signed. It did not. The club was sold. [21] The Station did not have a sprinkler system installed. She said she spent years after that in pain and anger. She endured more than 50 operations. Vanner doesnt know when the night will be over. And people stood and watched it, and some people backed off. According to Lynch, under Rhode Island law, the fire marshal could not be criminally charged unless there was evidence of bad faith or malice. And then the main exit that hallway where everyone came through," explains Scott James. Two years after the fire at The Station nightclub, the Derderians learned about a piece of evidence they say is important that was never presented to the grand jury: an eight-page fax sent to the Attorney General's Office anonymously just months after the fire entitled "The Fire. 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. Phil Barr: We kind of crouched down behind some of the people in front of us. [2] The final tally by The Providence Journal of people inside the Station during the fire totaled 462. Michael Derderian: We do understand that anger and that's that's why we're here with you. Her fianc, Alfred Freddy Crisostomi, did not. At first, there was no panic. In the end, the survivors and victims' families settled for a total of $176 million. Unlike many of the patrons there, this was Barr's first time at the club. And outside I went. I said to myself, we gotta go. then as it heals, the scarring tightens up. He spent 33 months in prison, while Jeff had to do 500 hours of community service. It took about five years to come to terms with that, she said. Linda Saran: That's when you make a decision. [2], Prior to the fire, the Station often hosted concerts by 1980s hard rock groups and tribute bands. I will never forget that night, and I will never forget the people that were hurt by it. 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. Parole board chairwoman Lisa Holley told journalists of her surprise at the forgiving attitude of the families, saying, "I think the most overwhelming part of it for me was the depth of forgiveness of many of these families that have sustained such a loss. And the following year he was able to accomplish the impossible and rejoin his swim team. 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. "[5], Many of the survivors of the fire developed post-traumatic stress disorder after the event. And I said my hands won't work. Linda Saran: The foam was raining down and the flames are dripping from the ceiling. Biechele pleaded guilty to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter, and Michael and Jeff Derderian pleaded no contest. His work was instrumental in amassing 176 million dollars in settlements from persons and corporations responsible for the fire. "We have 39 confirmed fatalities, and we are still in the process of searching the rubble. Phil Barr: I couldn't hear alarms. It just so happens that we're evacuated due to the CZU complex fire but hey that's how. There's an exit near the stage. I went and laid down next to Deb and just waited to die. Their story starts three years before the fire. In the other rooms, the smoke hadn't gotten to them, the flame wasn't that bad, they didn't think anything of it. these contracts are pretty specific. One near the bar. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. [39] WPRI-TV and Derderian were criticized for the conflict of interest in having a reporter do a report concerning his own property. A decade ago, a survivor . At the time of the fire, he had just started a new job closer to home in Providence at the local CBS station. [95][49], Neither version of Great White performed in any of the six New England states for over a decade following the fire. When fireworks ignited the soundproofing foam on the stage wall, he ran for a fire extinguisher. [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. It was really everything to me at that time. His fiance, Tina Ayer, died at 33 in the fire, CBS Boston reported. WEST WARWICK, R.I. -- Five years . I try to say it in the lightest way possible, she said. [60] As of 2013[update], Biechele lived in Florida with his wife and two children. You take one square inch of the foam, you hold it up with a roach clip and light it on fire with a wooden match. For the first February in 15 years, Lisa Del Sesto said, she hasnt had the nightmares. [21] The fire spread throughout the building and was completely engulfed within six minutes of the pyrotechnic ignition. Jim Axelrod: If the brothers are relying on the fire marshal to tell them whether or not they can continue to do business. Jody King: I'm so proud to say he's my brother. The Derderians bought the club as an investment. Like you feel that kinship that, you know, "God, I really hope this guy makes it." Barr, who was in his junior year, had dreams of a career on Wall Street and swam competitively for his college swim team. my dad was in the room. "[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. He apologized to the families of the victims and made no attempt to mitigate his guilt," the letter said.

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