Inspection records showed that just three months before the fire, the Derderians had been cited by the local fire marshal for having a secondary, interior door by the stage that opened inward, which violated regulations. 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. Biechele flipped a switch that caused lead singer Blackie Lawlesss crotch to erupt with showering sparks. He trusted in his friends. A regional command center was built in our state along . Like you feel that kinship that, you know, "God, I really hope this guy makes it." "I figured I was on my own at that point.". 2023 Getty Images. MICHAEL DERDERIAN: I plead not guilty, your honor. Michael Derderian: The club was sold. Devin Booker sulked. From the air the burned remains of the Station nightclub where over 59 people died in a late night fire on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003 in West Warwick, R.I., is seen, Friday, Feb. 21, 2003. But with last year's dedication of the Station Memorial Park on the site of the nightclub, she said she found that along with the scars, that night had provided her with a purpose in life and people she would otherwise never have known. Unfortunately, Jeff lost his life in the fire. Great White's tour manager Daniel Biechele also faced the same charges. When Laroque testified before the grand jury he claimed he never saw the foam. Dan Biechele, center, at his sentencing. Phil Barr: A lot of people moved back towards the main entrance it became really clear that we were not going to be able [to] get out the front door. I couldn't hear noise. And why wasn't the foam company charged? The band Great White was set to perform at 11pm on February 20, 2003 and the fans came in droves to see them. Making a profit was more important than safety (see the Cocoanut Grove Fire, 1942; The Triangle Shirtwaist . And it was ugly. 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. Almost immediately the finger pointing started. An acoustic guitar, in memory of the 98 fire victims, is left at the memorial fence enclosing the wreckage of The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I., Tuesday, March 4, 2003. The Station was owned by brothers Michael and Jeff Derderian. Tags: dead, deaths, Rhode Island, RI, Station Nightclub fire, West Warwick. And I knew the window was to my left. Michael Derderian: The field test is crystal clear. Jody King: "Anybody see Tracy?" And I fell down the stairs, out that door. I never thought it would get so bad. You were not approaching that area at all. Petrarca remembers one of the "most beautiful moments" she's had. According to Lynch, under Rhode Island law, the fire marshal could not be criminally charged unless there was evidence of bad faith or malice. The fire was now out of control; it had spread along the foam that lined the walls and ceiling intended to dampen sound. The tragedy, she said, heightened her appreciation of the life she was allowed, for whatever reason, to continue. "I can't do it for the rest of my life," she said. The fight happened at the Spring Fling in Spartanburg. "48 Hours" has confirmed the fax wasnotpresented to the grand jury. 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. All rights reserved. Vanner has no excuses. Since he co-owned The Station nightclub with his brother Michael Derderian, Jeff suggested it as a venue for generic nightclub footage. That night, he allowed a cameraman to shoot footage inside the club for an upcoming story about safety in public venues. Scott James: You have four exits. Phil Barr: I couldn't hear alarms. FireRescue1 is revolutionizing the way the fire service community "It's hard to describe the level of agony. As it turns out, the foam they used was highly flammable. He got a tire iron from his car, smashed the glass, and started pulling people out. You should be proud." But many, including the brothers, feel strongly Laroque should also have been charged. The cameraman managed to escape. Few people other than staff knew of the kitchen and bar doors. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Great White lead singer Jack Russell, left, speaks with bass player Dave Filice, right, near the scene of a deadly fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I. Friday, Feb. 21, 2003. 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? February 20, 2003. Phil Barr fought to breathe on his own. We're running out of time." PATRICK LYNCH [press conference]: We have an investigation on going and we need help, we need answers and I'm trying to get them. Footage of the Station Night Club fire [warning: graphic]. The state of Rhode Island and the town of West Warwick have each agreed to pay $10 million to those left behind after a nightclub fire that killed 100 people, according to court documents filed Monday, Aug. 18, 2008. Saint Joseph's Cemetery. So, it was very quickly they were in the circle of people we should look at. He refused to talk with reporters and entered an automobile driven by a lawyer. And I stood up. How did you meet him? The fire, which killed at least 96 and injured about 150, was believed to have been started when the band that was playing, Great White, set off pyrotechnics at the begining of their performance on Thursday evening. if he had done that, then he would have obviously have said to us . They all later accepted plea deals. Scott James: And the nightclub operator there was so angry when he saw what had happened in Rhode Island, he went public, and he even made public the contract that he had with Great White that showed there was no evidence of fireworks that were going to be part of the show. When January comes each year, she starts a lesson, delicately, talking about The Station and how there was a fire there. Browse 444 the station nightclub fire photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. CNN further stated, Rhode Island fire marshal Jesse Owens said a licensed pyrotechnician must apply for a permit to use fireworks during a performance. No one with Great White had applied for the permit and Biechele had no pyrotechnician license. Warner lived next to The Station and had met the brothers. 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. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. And I'm like, "OK.". 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. Who was responsible for The Station nightclub fire. He tells her he wishes that he'd tried to extinguish the fire. Michael Derderian: And I'm saying to him "Did everybody get out Did anyone die?" And I hear [moves her arms to the side with a whoosh] and out Deb went. Jeff Derderian: I remember we were trying to get people away from the building. Today she is president of the Station Fire Memorial Foundation, the group that oversaw the construction of the memorial park. Jim Axelrod: Did either of you know anything about running a nightclub? Collect, curate and comment on your files. On Feb. 20, 2003 100 people were killed and more than 200 injured after a fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick. Judy Tygard is the executive producer. Jody King: He was gregarious. Witnesses said a flare or firework lit by band members may have started the blaze. I couldn't play an instrument. They promoted the event. JACK RUSSELL [news interview]: We never do anything without asking permission first. The Station Nightclub Fire: Who's Responsible? She endured more than 50 operations. The one-story building burned to the ground in about three minutes. Linda Saran and Phil Barr, badly injured, were transported to a local hospital. But the night of the fire it was up to help cut down the noise. She paused, her eyes tearing. Patrick Lynch: The type of foam was equal to gallons of gasoline. which was managed by Biechele used pyrotechnics. Doomed fans stuck in the doorway of The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, RI. The band halted. And outside I went. But I made a choice. Time Warp vs Groove Thing, in a 1997 episode of "The Drew Carey Show". He gave them to the Probation Department that contacted the families to distribute these letters. So, it was not a great decision to use these inside a nightclub that only has 12-foot ceilings. Lynch also points out that the exits were a safety issue. The club was sold. I'll be right back." He called his plea an effort to bring peace.. Jim Axelrod: Over the course of the investigation, what did you learn about the way the brothers ran their business? This is a company that did little to educate their employees about the limits of polyurethane foam. (WJAR) Sunday marks 19 years since a fire tore through The Station nightclub fire in. He wrote: "This is a company that is well aware of the dangers of polyurethane foam. Michael Derderian: Jeffrey was responsible for all the marketing activities. A Rhode Island nightclub erupted into flames during a pyrotechnics display at a rock concert, killing at least 39 people and injuring more than 150 as mobs of concertgoers frantically rushed to escape the raging fire. At 55, he lives with his parents and keeps to himself. Also outside was club owner Jeff Derderian. "Taking responsibility for your actions goes a long way," she says. Doomed fans stuck in the doorway of The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, RI. That exit door would soon be engulfed in flames. Linda Saran and her friend Deb were in the atrium, huddled together under a table. 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. Produced by Betsy Shuller and Chris Young Ritzen. All rights reserved. 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. there was nothing that would make it so you couldn't get out of it. "It would have been my legacy," Vanner said. Lawsuits brought by survivors and victims relatives were settled for $176 million. Vanner spoke about how his life derailed after 11:07 p.m. on Feb. 20, 2003. It did not. "I would see the burn survivors, whom I'm lucky enough to call friends," Del Sesto said. 2010 The Thought & Expression Company, Inc. Jim Axelrod: And then it just got engulfed in flames? The answer is no. A USA Today article reported, He completed his community service requirement last year [2007] with a local fire and rescue company and with a national agency that works for burn survivors., Michael served more than three years of his four-year sentence. Jody King: I see the horror. The bouncers had been instructed that door was only for band members and associates. Because so many people that were there don't have that opportunity. This. Jim Axelrod: Describe The Station nightclub for me. Lawsuits were filed against several defendants including American Foam Corporation, Anheuser-Busch Inc. (which had advertised the concert as well as supplied beer), the Town of West Warwick (which had inspected The Station and not found it a fire hazard), and Great White. Both Petrarca and Studley, who lost friends in the blaze, were inside the club when fire broke out. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. The actual Station Nightclub Fire footage. Jim Axelrod: When you come to, you're in a hospital room. Look for a box or option labeled Home Page (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) or On Startup (Chrome). "There really weren't that many people around early in the night. The brothers decided that because Jeff had young kids, Michael would go. So, to the people who think we don't own it I'm telling you, we DO own it ok? Michael Derderian: No. There's an exit near the stage. Vanner doesn't know when the night will be over. Jim Axelrod: There are so many people still to this day angry that the case didn't go to trial. She got out. Survivor Russo experienced sympathy for Biechele whom she called broken but noted that, although he was anguished, any sympathy survivors had was tempered by our own pain. Her fianc, Alfred Crisostomi, had died in the fire and she had suffered burns over 40% of her body. Linda Saran: It's like a riptide. As a result of the fire, the grandfather clause exempting buildings built before the mandatory sprinkler law was abolished and all Rhode Island nightclubs are required to have sprinklers. Michael Derderian: That is correct. 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. Out of it. On December 4, 2003 a grand jury voted 200 indictments against Biechele and both Derderians. 296,669,475 stock photos, 360 panoramic images, vectors and videos, Share Alamy images with your team and customers. In 2003, 100 people died and over 200 were injured at a rock concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island. The third started that day. The state of Rhode Island is small," says author Scott James. Phil Barr: You know just have a beer, see a concert. Robin Petrarca of Warwick, R.I., right, is embraced by her friend Jessica Studley of West Greenwich, R.I., at the scene of a fatal nightclub fire, Friday, Feb. 21, 2003, in West Warwick, R.I. This is the main bar where you can get your drinks. PATRICK LYNCH [news interview]: Certainly, there are people we are looking at, ultimately, we may target. When King arrived, he saw the devastating scene. It started as part of the fundraising basketball games she organized at the school. Kiszla: One-hit wonders? Cookie Notice That evening she had a girl's night out with a friend while her young daughter was at a sleepover. I am proud. When fireworks ignited the soundproofing foam on the stage wall, he ran for a fire extinguisher. And settled for $1 million. It looked like a ladder of those black jelly bracelets from the 80s hanging in rings around my wrists. One near the bar. 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. 100 victims in photos. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer). The fire, which began late Thursday, and which officials say has taken the life of at least 60 people, may be related to a performing band's pyrotechnics . Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch opened an investigation and convened a grand jury to determine if anyone should face criminal charges. The state of Rhode Island is small," says author Scott James. Copyright 2023 The brothers have since learned that the fire marshal should have tested the foam on the wall. Jeff Derderian: That door was opened immediately and that's where the band went out. it was happening so fast, fast, fast, fast. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. You see on your left the horseshoe-shaped bar. He don't know. Patrick Lynch: Did he do his job perfectly? 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. The Station Fire Memorial Foundation website states that the memorial will be a celebration of the lives of the 100 lost directly as a result of the fire.. They go for 15 seconds and they go 15 feet into the air. Ty Longley - Great White's lead guitarist was amongst the . 10. I went over, put my hands against the glass, and I started kicking at that window and it wouldn't break. That's what the code says. But for anyone who was in The Station nightclub on Feb. 20, 2003, she said, a night out triggers an awareness. Route 46 in Saddle Brook circa 1965. You must enable JavaScript in your browser to view and post comments. I thought how terrible it was that my daughter was going to grow up without her mom. The Station nightclub fire occurred on Thursday, February 20, 2003, in West Warwick, Rhode Island, United States, killing 100 people including Great White guitarist Ty Longley and injuring 230. Judge Darigan sentenced Biechele to four years imprisonment plus three years probation. "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 Station nightclub fire would become one of the deadliest fires in a club in U.S. history. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. While jailed, Biechele penned 100 handwritten apologies to victims families. Jeff told the audience that polyurethane foam is called solid gasoline by fire experts.
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