But what they received was highly flammable packing foam. [9], The fire was reported to the West Warwick Fire Department by cellular phone calls to 911 within sixty seconds of ignition[24]. 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. 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. And then the main exit that hallway where everyone came through. Jim Axelrod: When the foam came, was there anything on the packaging that indicated that it was highly flammable? MICHAEL DERDERIAN: I plead not guilty, your honor. Well, I guess once we all started to turn toward the door, and we got bottle-necked into the front door, people just kept pushing, and eventually everyone popped out of the door, including myself. Her father has seven brothers, Pimentel said, and she was especially close to Carlos. 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. 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. Jeffrey Derderian received 500 hours of community service. "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. 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. And that's when the crowd realizes this is a real danger and we have to get out of here. Jeff Derderian: I remember we were trying to get people away from the building. They were told to take it down. She spoke with the Globe about Jefferey and Michael Derderian, the . They all later accepted plea deals. I found my soul was wanting.. That night is not a coherent memory for her, she said, but a sequence of moments when she was hyper-focused on finding her friends or helping those around her. The Derderians have always maintained that they never gave the band permission to use pyrotechnics. [4] Another restaurant opened in the building in 1974. and I tripped over what I assume was a bar stool. [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. 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Jim Axelrod is the chief investigative correspondent and senior national correspondent for CBS News, reporting for "CBS This Morning," "CBS Evening News," "CBS Sunday Morning" and other CBS News broadcasts. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Eighteen years later, there was no consensus among survivors when it comes to blame. A true hero would have gone for it, Vanner said. Witnesses of the nearly mile-wide tornado recount how they managed to survive. Jody King says his brother enjoyed working for the Derderians. if he had done that, then he would have obviously have said to us . [11] Dominic Santana, the owner of The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey, told reporters that Great White had used pyrotechnics during their February 14, 2003 performance at the venue without his permission, and their contract and rider did not mention pyrotechnics displays. "48 Hours" has confirmed the fax wasnotpresented to the grand jury. 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. Michael Derderian: They got this fax and it went on to describe the business practices of the foam company. [26] The Cowesett Inn restaurant across the street from the Station acted as an ad-hoc burn triage and command center for first responders. JACK RUSSELL [news interview]: We never do anything without asking permission first. Jody King: He went on David Letterman twice to do Stupid Human Tricks. Patrick Lynch: Did he do his job perfectly? Jody King kneels at his brother Tracy's memorial. Cassidy was questioned by Customs and Border Protection in 2016, three sources familiar with the probe . And I said my hands won't work. And then the main exit that hallway where everyone came through," explains Scott James. It would have been my legacy, Vanner said. WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - Saturday marks the 18-year anniversary of the Station Nightclub fire that left lasting scars on numerous families and the state of Rhode Island. 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. [1] The building that would become The Station was built in 1946 and was originally used as a gin mill. [94] Kendall's version of the band holds the copyright for the Great White name. Patrick Lynch: I don't think anybody in anything that they did wanted anybody to die that night or get injured. I have to find him. And I stood up. Editor's Note: This story was originally published on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018. Tweet. Scott James: They only have about 60 seconds to get out of the building if they're going to live. 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]. I just don't find him as guilty of anything. Because so many people that were there don't have that opportunity. [90] Russell planned to donate the proceeds to the Station Fire Memorial Foundation, but the organization asked to be disassociated from the concert, citing the animosity still felt by many of the survivors and surviving families. Jeff Derderian: We feel a sense of guilt about what happened in the sense that you carry the guilt of knowing that these people aren't here anymore, and these people are hurt for the rest of their life. it became very, very hard to breathe. That's when I turned back. And I turned around, I said, "Get out, get out, get to the door, get to the door!" 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.. For the Derderians, the "full story" begins with the issue of permission. Linda Saran: I said, "you know what? "[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. But that night, leading the cameraman around was bouncer Tracy King, a dedicated husband and father of three young boys. once you could no longer see, it was total pandemonium. This is a company that did little to educate their employees about the limits of polyurethane foam. [9] The ensuing crowd crush in the narrow hallway led to that exit being blocked completely and resulted in numerous deaths and injuries among the patrons and staff. Nine friends didnt. Linda Saran still places much of it on the Derderian brothers. 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. Most people still just stood there. This is the time to leave. Jeff Derderian: We tried to get as far as we could. 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. But then the door would go back up when it was going to be a loud night. Updated on: October 24, 2021 / 2:07 AM Jim Axelrod: Did either of you know anything about running a nightclub? It was late on Feb. 20, 2003, when the cold winter night erupted in flames. Jody King: "Anybody see Tracy?" The tragedy, she said, heightened her appreciation of the life she was allowed, for whatever reason, to continue. The TIAs required automatic fire sprinklers in all existing nightclubs and similar locations that accommodate more than 100 occupants, and all new locations in the same categories. Since he co-owned The Station nightclub with his brother Michael Derderian, Jeff suggested it as a venue for generic nightclub footage. [12] The rest of the lineup included guitarist Ty Longley, who died in the fire, bass guitarist Dave Felice, and drummer Eric Powers. He tells her he wishes that hed tried to extinguish the fire. Linda will forever wear the scars of that horrible night. More than 460 fans had crowded into the wooden, single-story, 4,480 -square-foot nightclub known as The Station in West Warwick, R.I., to enjoy a Thursday night show on Feb. 20, 2003. 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. [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. I couldn't hear screaming anymore. [9] American Foam refuted the claims in Warner's fax. Season 1. I don't care what I'm going to see.". Since I had been there earlier in the night, I knew that there was at least an exit in the back barroom. They would want to talk, she said, and they wouldnt freak. Christina Pimentel wasnt at the Station 15 years ago but she remembers the fire that killed 100 people because one of them was her uncle, Carlos Pimentel Sr. They should have blamed more. But it's fun. [57], On September 4, 2007, some families of the fire's victims expressed their support for Biechele's parole. I don't even like to talk about it. A surgery to correct a childhood ailment with his ears left him able to balance objects on his chin. It's not just about hitting the next goal but doing something really meaningful. [59], Biechele's parole and probation expired in March 2011. That was in like the 80s. I did not lead them out, he said dismissively. But he didn't know what. Michael Derderian also spoke via phone to an investigator. Her bill was $646 that month, she said. As a result of this and other similar incidents, fire chiefs, fire marshals and inspectors require trained crowd managers to comply with the International Fire Code, NFPA-101 Life Safety Code, NFPA-1 Fire Code and many local ordinances that address safety in public-assembly occupancies. For years, he worked in Boston for Channel 7. The first was her life before Feb. 20, 2003. Linda Saran: The foam was raining down and the flames are dripping from the ceiling. 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. Michael Derderian: No. [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". Today she is president of the Station Fire Memorial Foundation, the group that oversaw the construction of the memorial park. She paused, her eyes tearing. You should be proud." The brothers have since learned that the fire marshal should have tested the foam on the wall. Kat Teurfs is the associate producer. Jim Axelrod: Who's responsible for that foam going up on the wall? Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch opened an investigation and convened a grand jury to determine if anyone should face criminal charges. It was crowded, and it was getting bad. But I made a choice. Jody King: They blamed three. there are other people who should be responsible. I went around back. Patrick Lynch: Again, any reference in this conversation about what the brothers say, I I take a step back and think I don't really trust it. He threw my wife, my cousin, my uncle, my sister out a window." [9] Although Warner was called to testify to a grand jury, he was not asked about the fax. The story of three survivors that were trapped when the massive Cypress Street viaduct collapsed. [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. We have an exit through the kitchen. [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. 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. [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]. Like you feel that kinship that, you know, "God, I really hope this guy makes it." Scott James: When people arrive, they walk through this entrance and this kinda longish hallway. Phil Barr: I loved it. 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. [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. Jody King: Hopped out of bed, grabbed my clothes, grabbed my keys, hopped in the car and took off. 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. Nine months after the fire, the club's owners, brothers Jeff and Michael Derderian, along with Daniel Biechele, the band's tour manager, were each charged with 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter. [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. [9], Thousands of mourners attended an interfaith memorial service at St. Gregory the Great Church in Warwick on February 24, 2003, to remember those lost in the fire. 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. The third started that day. [9] The lack of usable exits were also a factor, as was the inward door that Larocque had found and asked to be removed. 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. The State of Rhode Island and the town of West Warwick agreed to pay $10 million as settlement. Its surreal. Pyrotechnics ignited foam insulation that lined the walls and ceiling around the stage, the National Institute of Standards and Technology concluded. local Four nonstop. / CBS News. Things that bring back memories of that night we try to stay away from. that door being up, there is no question that that increased the likelihood that many, many more would perish. 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. Linda Saran: The night of the fire I got in for free. Patrick Lynch: You're telling me it wasn't, and I don't know that it wasn't. 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. Jeffrey and Michael Derderian, the owners of the Station, pleaded no contest and avoided a trial: Michael received the same sentence as Biechele and was released from prison in 2009, while Jeffrey received a sentence of 500 hours of community service. It was really everything to me at that time. 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. Phil Barr: and I felt the door and I just heaved my shoulder into it. 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. 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.". The Station was owned by brothers Jeff and Michael Derderian. [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. Fifteen years from now, she hopes, her students will go by the park, and have a memory, a connection, with the 100 people whose names and faces are etched into black granite squares arrayed throughout the park. The flanking gerbs became the principal cause of the fire. 9. [tearing up] "What a great brother you have. So that was huge.. As it turns out, the foam they used was highly flammable. 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. It seems like yesterday We were going to get married in June and she passed away in February, Cain told CBS. 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.
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