station nightclub fire survivors list
: In 2021, 48 Hours described the total civil payments to the victims and families as $176 million. [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 pyrotechnics were gerbs, cylindrical devices that produce a controlled spray of sparks. He turned back to see the crowd bottle-necked at the stage. He arrived early around 8:30 p.m. Phil Barr: There really weren't that many people around early in the night. Jim Axelrod: Mr. Warner's fax wasn't presented to the grand jury, correct? I could have missed that My friends that didn't survive that night have missed that. . [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. She spoke with the Globe about Jefferey and Michael Derderian, the . 0:57. Tracy King died saving many others the night of the fire. [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. Father of youngest Station nightclub fire victim questions why owners Phil Barr: I went around the people trying to push to the front door. "[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. How did you meet him? [2], In the months prior to the fire, the building had been inspected twice by West Warwick fire marshal Denis Larocque. [104] The legislation would create a tax incentive for property owners to install fire sprinkler systems. [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]. and I tripped over what I assume was a bar stool. Their story starts three years before the fire. Vanner spoke about how his life derailed after 11:07 p.m. on Feb. 20, 2003. once you could no longer see, it was total pandemonium. And I remember that statement, because I was, like, this is not great. A decade ago, a survivor . It fuels you. Petrarca was sitting near the bar that night in 2003, about five feet from a door, when the fire broke out. He got a tire iron from his car, smashed the glass, and started pulling people out. The company paid a hefty settlement and they weren't the only ones. But it's fun. [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. You know people didn't react instantly. [89] Kendall said in 2005, "We haven't played that song. And Paul Vanner didnt like what he saw. Like you feel that kinship that, you know, "God, I really hope this guy makes it." WEST WARWICK, R.I. -- Five years . It took about five years to come to terms with that, she said. That happened in 2002. 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. To satisfy noise complaints from neighbors, the brothers had installed foam along the club's walls and ceilings. "I literally baked alive," says Linda Barr. " He was out there, and he just loved being in the center. After the investigation ended and prosecutors had no more questions, after reporters stopped calling and the years passed since that deadly night, the man who was the sound technician and stage manager at The Station nightclub was left with his thoughts. Dan McKee honored the victims, their families, and the first responders who saved many lives. Jason Hahn. In the aftermath, West Warwick, Rhode Island TV news reporter Jeff Derderian wanted to run a story on nightclub safety. 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. We're running out of time." And they played the arenas. The Feb. 20, 2003. The State of Rhode Island and the town of West Warwick agreed to pay $10 million as settlement. On May 20, 2003, nondenominational services began to be held at the site of the fire for a number of months. 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. Linda Saran: I could have missed it all. I am proud. In 2008, the band agreed to pay $1. You walk on the property, and it doesnt feel tragic anymore. I would forgive them in a heartbeat. This page was last edited on 3 March 2023, at 14:21. My friends were dead, my other friends are severely injured, I no longer look like myself. The brothers say they are still haunted by the events of that horrific night. PATRICK LYNCH [press conference]: We have an investigation on going and we need help, we need answers and I'm trying to get them. Jeff Derderian: I remember we were trying to get people away from the building. Linda Saran: The night of the fire I got in for free. Patrick Lynch: Jeffrey and Michael Derderian. Today marks the 20th anniversary of The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, RI, which killed 100 people. So, I actually got a really good sense of the layout of the venue. The charge is pending. Jeff Derderian: I don't know. Isn't that an important fact in determining who's at fault? Marc Goldbaum is the development producer. Joe Kinan was badly burned in the deadly Station Nightclub fire in Rhode Island that left 100 dead and 230 injured in February 2003 . [21] The flames were initially thought to be part of the act; only as the fire reached the ceiling and smoke began to bank down did people realize it was uncontrolled. This article was originally published on Oct. 22, 2021. The Station nightclub fire: What happened, how many died, who was Michael Derderian: I don't know about that. She endured more than 50 operations. It was liquid fire. So, it was very quickly they were in the circle of people we should look at. Scott James: It smelled like spilled beer and stale cigarettes and everything was just a little bit frayed at the edge. The loss is still fresh for her cousins, she said, even 15 years later. I just don't find him as guilty of anything. In a statement, Rhode Island Gov. A West Warwick police officer who was already at the scene also reported the fire to police dispatch. [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. I refused to accept that as the outcome. Nightclub Fire", "Judge Accepts Plea Deal in Rhode Island Fire", "Co-owner of R.I. club where 100 died to be released early", "Band to pay $1M in case over deadly club fire", "Great White offers $1M to settle fatal fire suits", "Derderians reach settlement in nightclub fire", "Governments offer $20 million in RI nightclub fire", "Packaging company settles in R.I. nightclub fire", "McLaughlin & Moran, Anheuser-Busch offer $21M settlement in Station fire case", "Home Depot Settles In R.I. Flames were seen breaking through a part of the roof in less than five minutes. Today, we mourn the 100 lives lost in the Station nightclub fire and the hundreds more whose lives will never be the same. Season 1. The fire quickly spread over the dance floor, along the ceiling. [39] WPRI-TV and Derderian were criticized for the conflict of interest in having a reporter do a report concerning his own property. And while they weren't charged in the criminal case, survivors and victims' families sued them in civil court for not warning the Derderians the foam they sent them was flammable. [80], A permanent memorial at the site of the fire has been erected and named the Station Fire Memorial Park. "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. Biechele pleaded guilty to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and was sentenced to four years in prison. Warner lived next to The Station and had met the brothers. [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. Jim Axelrod: And then it just got engulfed in flames? Gina Russo, who was in The Station on Feb. 20, 2003, barely made it out. Pyrotechnics ignited foam insulation that lined the walls and ceiling around the stage, the National Institute of Standards and Technology concluded. Survivor of The Station nightclub fire reflects on 20th anniversary Jeff Derderian: They didn't even bring up the fax to him. Scott James: I decided I would start asking some questions. I had no control over my muscles. He sees a court-ordered therapist, who has told him he has depression and PTSD. At the time of The Station fire, older clubs in Rhode Island weren't required to install sprinklers. [89] "I don't think I could ever sing that song again," said Russell. some bleeding I could notice in my throat. We talk about fire safety a bit, I dont get too, too far into it.. Patrick Lynch: I can't remember, honestly. 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.. [48] Larocque had set various capacities for the Station in the years prior to the fire based on whether pool tables and other items could be moved. [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. The first was her life before Feb. 20, 2003. [20], Great White started their performance at 11:07 p.m. on February 20. Scott James: When people arrive, they walk through this entrance and this kinda longish hallway. [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. The Station nightclub fire would become one of the deadliest fires in a club in U.S. history. Superior Court Judge Francis J. Darigan Jr. sentenced Biechele to fifteen years in prison, with four to serve and eleven years suspended, plus three years' probation, for his role in the fire. He tells her he wishes that hed tried to extinguish the fire. [49] The tour started five months after the fire, and each concert began with a prayer for survivors and families. And I sent it to her and the best compliment I ever got was oh, his hairs fantastic.. The Station nightclub fire - Wikipedia Del Sesto said her life is told in three chapters now. [2], Prior to the fire, the Station often hosted concerts by 1980s hard rock groups and tribute bands. 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.. Its irrelevant.. And the following year he was able to accomplish the impossible and rejoin his swim team. Jack Russell declined "48 Hours"' request for an interview. Jody King: He was gregarious. I couldn't play an instrument. He is now seven years sober from cocaine, although alcohol is a more pestering problem, he says. And that's when it starts to hit you all that you've lost. 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. Survivors of nightclub fire that killed 100 share stories - FireRescue1 Jim Axelrod: Does this mean you feel a sense of responsibility? Dan McKee stopped by the memorial on the 20th anniversary of the fire Monday. That evening she had a girl's night out with a friend while her young daughter was at a sleepover. For the first few years she shunned memorial ceremonies but eventually was convinced to go. Scott James: They are what they call 15x15. It was the fourth deadliest fire in a nightclub in US history. So that was huge.. MICHAEL DERDERIAN: I plead not guilty, your honor. The Derderians have always maintained that they never gave the band permission to use pyrotechnics. In fact, they did the opposite.". The club was sold. 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. 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. In 2003, 100 people died and over 200 were injured at a rock concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island. 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. Survivors of the Station nightclub fire reflect on tragedy's 20th It was crowded, and it was getting bad. 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? [94] Kendall's version of the band holds the copyright for the Great White name. Michael Derderian: He's completely out of it. MICHAEL DERDERIAN [at sentencing hearing]: There is so much pain and heartache that happened on our doorstep. I don't care what I'm going to see.". Legal action against several parties, including Great White, were resolved with monetary settlements by 2008. Jody King says his brother enjoyed working for the Derderians. I don't know that I'll ever forgive myself for what happened that night, so I can't expect anybody else to. [49] In 2013, Kendall told The Providence Journal that he maintained amicable contact with some survivors, victims' families, and the Station Fire Memorial Foundation. REELZ announces documentary about Great White club fire Investigators eventually discovered the fax was sent by Barry Warner, a former employee at American Foam the company that had sent the Derderians the packing foam made of flammable polyurethane. That day let her put a period on the last sentence of Chapter Two, she said. Scott James: They only have about 60 seconds to get out of the building if they're going to live. you could not see your hand in front of your face. Patrick Lynch: The type of foam was equal to gallons of gasoline. Brandon Fravale, a survivor of The Station nightclub fire, speaks with NBC 10 on how he copes with survivor's guilt. 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. The Guest List is based in part on John Barylick's narrative non-fiction work, killer show, the station nightclub fire, America's deadliest rock concert. Mon, February 20th 2023, 8:29 PM PST. Jim Axelrod: How do you know he went in nine times? "Why me?" 20 years later, Station nightclub fire survivors talk guilt [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. Killer Show: The Station Nightclub Fire, America's Deadliest Rock [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. 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? "[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. The Station Nightclub Fire is Remembered in the Documentary - Yurview "We have 39 confirmed fatalities, and we are still in the process of searching the rubble. Like Barr, Linda Saran had also spent three weeks in a medically induced coma. Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. [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. Petrarca remembers one of the most beautiful moments shes had. They were told to take it down. 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: Remember, I'm still in Florida. [6], Great White, the headlining band of the February 20 concert, had risen to fame as part of the glam metal scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s. As Great White started their first song, their tour manager Daniel Biechele set off four large fireworks called gerbs. it was also on fire. [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. That was in like the 80s. He doesn't know. [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. [38] Derderian had begun working for WPRI on February 17, three days before the fire.
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