Flames were seen breaking through a part of the roof in less than five minutes. The brothers decided that because Jeff had young kids, Michael would go. 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. Also outside was club owner Jeff Derderian. She had a cellphone that was working and handed it off to anyone who needed to call home and let their family know they were safe. It's like a surge of bodies. When January comes each year, she starts a lesson, delicately, talking about The Station and how there was a fire there. MICHAEL DERDERIAN: I plead not guilty, your honor. Linda Saran: It's like a riptide. As numerous violations of existing codes contributed to the severity of the fire, there was immediate effort to strengthen fire code protections. It justit was so fast. [7][8] They were best known for their 1989 cover of Ian Hunter's "Once Bitten, Twice Shy", which reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100. Those at the nightclub had to act soon, as smoke was visible in the exit doorways in just over one minute. 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. [84] In September 2012, the owner of the land, Ray Villanova, donated the site to the SFMF. 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. 9. She wrote a book, meets with burn victims, talks to fire departments and fire safety groups across the country. Jody King: We never knew the whole story because the trial never happened, so everything really never came out. I refused to accept that as the outcome. [40][37] Derderian resigned from WPRI on June 30. The Station Nightclub Fire: Who's Responsible? 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. 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 he was very kind about it, but he said, "I don't ever see you competitively swimming again." Phil Barr awoke after three weeks in a medically induced coma and was told his lungs had been badly damaged. I could have missed that My friends that didn't survive that night have missed that. Jeff Derderian: I remember we were trying to get people away from the building. You were not approaching that area at all. / CBS News. 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, [2], The first criminal trial was against Great White's tour manager, Daniel Michael Biechele, 26, from Orlando, Florida. Russo said that the memorial serves a valuable purpose today for those who knew victims. It was really everything to me at that time. [60], Following Biechele's trial, The Station's owners, Michael and Jeffrey Derderian, were scheduled to receive separate trials. [11] Although the band was officially known as Jack Russell's Great White at the time, and their tour was initially named after Russell's 2002 solo album For You, they were billed by the Station as simply Great White. [103], Inspired by the fire, the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act has been proposed United States Senate and House of Representatives since 2003. [82] The stop was removed from the game by developer Niantic later that month. And people just stood there. The loss is still fresh for her cousins, she said, even 15 years later. That specific. Jody King kneels at his brother Tracy's memorial. 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. I've been after this bike for over 4 years and I finally got the call! Patrick Lynch: Did he do his job perfectly? View Image Gallery. [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. His fiance, Tina Ayer, died at 33 in the fire, CBS Boston reported. But instead, I chose to run like a common coward.. A decade ago, a survivor . He sees a court-ordered therapist, who has told him he has depression and PTSD. We talk about fire safety a bit, I dont get too, too far into it.. Obviously the nightclub was not in compliance, and there never should have been pyrotechnics, but there's no evidence the bouncers blocked people from . Published on August 10, 2017 09:05 AM. Scott James: It should not have happened. He wrote: "This is a company that is well aware of the dangers of polyurethane foam. 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.. Linda Saran was a regular at The Station. 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. The State of Rhode Island and the town of West Warwick agreed to pay $10 million as settlement. 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. Jim Axelrod: When you come to, you're in a hospital room. About a month after the fire Barr went home from the hospital. She got out. "[58], Dave Kane and Joanne O'Neill, parents of youngest victim Nicholas O'Neill, released their letter to the board to reporters. 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. [58], On September 19, 2007, the Rhode Island Parole Board announced that Biechele would be released in March 2008. 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. Biechele was released from prison on March 19, 2008. Dan Biechele, center, at his sentencing. That day let her put a period on the last sentence of Chapter Two, she said. [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. Cassidy was questioned by Customs and Border Protection in 2016, three sources familiar with the probe . That's how thick the smoke was. On May 20, 2003, nondenominational services began to be held at the site of the fire for a number of months. Jeff Derderian: You know a day doesn't go by that we don't think about it in some way, shape or form. 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.". Michael spent 33 months in prison, while Jeff had to do 500 hours of community service. I went over, put my hands against the glass, and I started kicking at that window and it wouldn't break. The roof was caving in, walls were caving in, body after body in front of me. Jody King: He ran in and came out nine times in 90 seconds. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. 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. I have to find him. 2021, shooting at a San Jose rail station. 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. They all later accepted plea deals. It was crowded, and it was getting bad. it was also on fire. Jim Axelrod: Describe The Station nightclub for me. Patrick Lynch: Not only was the door up, which it shouldn't have been, opened inward which it shouldn't have It was covered in foam. Phil Barr: I went around the people trying to push to the front door. Nightclub Fire", "3 indicted in R.I. rock concert fire - UPI Archives", "The Derderians are on a 'white-wash tour' about The Station fire, says father who lost son", "The strange and terrible true story of Great White, and the Station nightclub fire", "3 Men Are Indicted in Fire At Rhode Island Nightclub", "Foam company offers Station nightclub fire plaintiffs $6.3M settlement", "DAN BIECHELE SPEAKS Pre-Sentencing Statement GREAT WHITE TOUR MANAGER Station Nightclub Fire RI", "Fury, Tears and 4-Year Term in Deadly Blaze", "Band manager who ignited deadly Rhode Island nightclub fire freed from prison", "Manager Sentenced for Rhode Island Nightclub Fire", "Many families of Station fire victims supporting parole for band manager", "Band manager who ignited R.I. club fire is freed", "After prison, Biechele rebuilding life in Fla", "Derderians will plead; AG says he opposes sentencing deal", "2 Brothers to Plead No Contest in R.I. Phil Barr fought to breathe on his own. [9] In 2008, American Foam agreed to pay $6.3 million to the families of the victims of the fire. It was already in contract. Last year, he was charged with striking a woman for whom he was a caretaker. Dan McKee honored the victims, their families, and the first responders who saved many lives. you could not see your hand in front of your face. Shed read Russos book, about how the fire left her a bald chick, and it convinced her to go back out into the world. And I was paying staff pricing for beer because I knew a guy. And I turned around, I said, "Get out, get out, get to the door, get to the door!" 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. You walk on the property, and it doesnt feel tragic anymore. And they played the arenas. And then, ever so slowly, he learned to walk again. [77], A benefit memorial concert was held in February 2008 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence and featured performances by Tesla, Twisted Sister, Winger, Gretchen Wilson, and John Rich. Her fianc, Alfred Freddy Crisostomi, who was behind her, pushing her toward the door, perished. People recall the events of the fourth deadliest night club fire in U.S. history. Eighteen years later, there was no consensus among survivors when it comes to blame. His work was instrumental in amassing 176 million dollars in settlements from persons and corporations responsible for the fire. [21] A total of 462 people were in attendance, even though the club's maximum licensed capacity was cited as 404.[2]. We have an exit through the kitchen. Jeffrey Derderian received 500 hours of community service. But for anyone who was in The Station nightclub on Feb. 20, 2003, she said, a night out triggers an awareness. Michael Derderian: No. This is solid gasoline. 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. that door being up, there is no question that that increased the likelihood that many, many more would perish. 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? [90] The band initially retired "Desert Moon", the song they were performing when the fire began, from their concert set list. I don't know that I'll ever forgive myself for what happened that night, so I can't expect anybody else to. Phil Barr: Being a survivor of The Station nightclub fire is a piece of who I am. However, on September 21, 2006, Judge Darigan announced that the brothers had changed their pleas from "not guilty" to "no contest," thereby avoiding a trial. And I knew the window was to my left. Phil Barr: I remember the smoke descended really quickly. I couldn't get up. Her father wont visit the memorial, and it took her years to be able to drive down Cowesett Avenue, she said. 2003 deadly fire at a rock concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island, USA, Great White, Jack Russell, and Mark Kendall, National Institute of Standards and Technology, "The Station nightclub fire 10 years later: Healing continues as West Warwick, Rhode Island, takes next step in recovery", "The Station Fire: Timeline of a tragedy", "Station tragedy leads to tougher fire code", "Report of the Technical Investigation of The Station Nightclub Fire (NIST NCSTAR 2), Volume 1", "Beyond grief: Trying to make sense out of the Station tragedy", "Tragedy Catches Up to a Metal Band Past Its Prime", "Great White Fireworks Set Off a Controversy", "The Station nightclub fire: What happened and who's to blame for disaster that killed 100? We haven't played it since then and probably never will. Gina Russo has no clear memory of how, with her hair on fire, she got out of the Station nightclub the night of Feb. 20, 2003. 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. The pyrotechnics were gerbs, cylindrical devices that produce a controlled spray of sparks. I would see the burn survivors, whom Im lucky enough to call friends, Del Sesto said. But their plans for the future would suddenly change. Isn't that an important fact in determining who's at fault? That is the furthest exit away from the stage But it's a relatively straight line. [100], Gonsalves was inducted into the Rhode Island Radio and Television Hall of Fame in 2013. Vanner doesnt know when the night will be over. That happened in 2001. [28], Of the 462 people in the building for the concert, 100 were killed, 230 were injured, and 132 escaped uninjured. The Station nightclub fire would become one of the deadliest fires in a club in U.S. history. [tearing up] "What a great brother you have. But I dont want it to define the rest of my life. "It feels like somebody knew somebody who was in that fire or knew somebody who did, so the pain is very personal.". Its just one of those things thats ingrained in you.. Linda Saran: I think a lot of people miss out on the moments. 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. 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. It was liquid fire," says former Attorney General Patrick Lynch, who investigated the disaster. He trusted in his friends. The shooting was first reported at 12:04 a.m. in the 300 block of S. 1st . 0:57. A West Warwick police officer who was already at the scene also reported the fire to police dispatch. A surgery to correct a childhood ailment with his ears left him able to balance objects on his chin. Linda will forever wear the scars of that horrible night. He was out there, and he just loved being in the center. That night, he allowed a cameraman to shoot footage inside the club for an upcoming story about safety in public venues. He don't know. [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. Phil Barr: It was getting harder and harder to breathe I could feel tightness and constriction in my chest. 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. [60] As of 2013[update], Biechele lived in Florida with his wife and two children. Phil Barr: and I felt the door and I just heaved my shoulder into it. He wasnt charged with a crime, but his thoughts punish him. Gina Russo, who was in The Station on Feb. 20, 2003, barely made it out. The Guest List is a strikingly visual film. View All 100 Memorials for the The Station Nightclub Fire Site. Petrarca remembers one of the most beautiful moments shes had. [2] The club was cited for nine minor code violations during the first inspection in November 2002, but was not cited for the flammable polyurethane foam the venue used for soundproofing, which was against code. Linda Saran: The night of the fire I got in for free. "[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. Editor's Note: This story was originally published on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018. This page was last edited on 3 March 2023, at 14:21. And then the main exit that hallway where everyone came through," explains Scott James. Most people still just stood there. Legal action against several parties, including Great White, were resolved with monetary settlements by 2008. 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.