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[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. They should have blamed more. 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. Jim Axelrod: Describe The Station nightclub for me. Patrick Lynch: I don't think there's any question that had that door not been up a significant number of people would have survived. [48], Following the tragedy, Governor Donald Carcieri declared a moratorium on pyrotechnic displays at venues that hold fewer than 300 people. But their plans for the future would suddenly change. The first was her life before Feb. 20, 2003. His work was instrumental in amassing 176 million dollars in settlements from persons and corporations responsible for the fire. As the crowd bottlenecked at the clubs entrance, thick black smoke poured out of the building and over their heads. 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. Patrick Lynch: while troubling, concerning, maddening it doesn't mean that somebody should be charged or can be. He don't know. Phil Barr: It was getting harder and harder to breathe I could feel tightness and constriction in my chest. [4] No occupants were in the building during the 1972 fire, but the interior was significantly damaged. 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. [95] When Russell launched his version of the band in 2012, Kendall's group responded that Russell had no right to use the name. It did not. I couldn't understand him or understand the magnitude of what was going on there. And I was paying staff pricing for beer because I knew a guy. How is it our responsibility if they gave us the wrong foam?". Within six minutes, the entire building was engulfed in flames. The biggest question was, why had the fire spread so quickly? Jody King: He went on David Letterman twice to do Stupid Human Tricks. To the right is this much larger space in front of a stage. local Four nonstop. 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.. [89] "I don't think I could ever sing that song again," said Russell. I would forgive them in a heartbeat. This is a company that did little to educate their employees about the limits of polyurethane foam. 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. Legal action against several parties, including Great White, were resolved with monetary settlements by 2008. Regardless, Lynch points out the Derderians still chose to take a plea deal instead of going to trial. It had to be two minutes tops before the whole place was black smoke. And I'm like, "OK.". JEFF DERDERIAN [crying]: Many people didn't make it out and that is a horror that will haunt my family and I for the rest of our lives. Tweet. He was the. 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. And I fell down the stairs, out that door. Jody King: "Anybody see Tracy?" But I dont want it to define the rest of my life. Isn't that an important fact in determining who's at fault? [26] The Cowesett Inn restaurant across the street from the Station acted as an ad-hoc burn triage and command center for first responders. Linda Saran: I said, "you know what? [101], The Derderian brothers conducted their first television interview about the fire in 2021 for 48 Hours. 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. "[58], Dave Kane and Joanne O'Neill, parents of youngest victim Nicholas O'Neill, released their letter to the board to reporters. 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. Follow Boston.com on Instagram (Opens in a New Tab), Follow Boston.com on Twitter (Opens in a New Tab), Like Boston.com on Facebook (Opens in a New Tab), R.I. State House homeless encampment removed after legal fight, After the 80th anniversary of the tragic fire, a Cocoanut Grove memorial is coming to Boston, This affordable airline says it will bring at least 20 routes to an R.I. airport. [9] Jeffrey Derderian said the door was also installed due to noise, and they had removed it as asked, but sometimes re-installed it if the venue was going to be loud that night, and it was used by the band to escape the building during the fire. And that's when it starts to hit you all that you've lost. It couldnt continue another 10, 15 years, it couldnt. It's not just about hitting the next goal but doing something really meaningful. [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. Great White was part of the lawsuit. The State of Rhode Island and the town of West Warwick agreed to pay $10 million as settlement. And 18 years after the fire, the brothers say they want to set the record straight and reveal new information. Tracy King worked at The Station as a bouncer. then as it heals, the scarring tightens up. But does that mean it's not a crime? After the fire, multiple civil and criminal cases were filed. 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. [79], The site of the fire was cleared, and a multitude of crosses were placed as memorials, left by loved ones of the deceased. Today Phil Barr is married and a father of two little girls. One hundred people died, and hundreds more suffered. 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. 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. Also outside was club owner Jeff Derderian. [9] The lack of usable exits were also a factor, as was the inward door that Larocque had found and asked to be removed. Absolutely not. It seems senseless that something like this could happen. I never imagined that anyone ever would be. They are speaking out about the fire for the first time. Jim Axelrod: If the brothers are relying on the fire marshal to tell them whether or not they can continue to do business. So many ways this could have been avoided, Matthew Hoffman, an East Greenwich, R.I. resident, told WPRI. Her bill was $646 that month, she said. He trusted in his friends. And then we've got the pressure from the judge saying you know, you're going to go to jail for 30 years apiece. It would have been my legacy, Vanner said. Jeffrey Derderian received 500 hours of community service. Like you feel that kinship that, you know, "God, I really hope this guy makes it." I cant do it for the rest of my life, she said. ", "We are now at 65, and that may be higher ", Jeff Derderian: "Can you come in? As a human being how do you not feel some sort of responsibility for that ? And then the main exit that hallway where everyone came through. "Taking responsibility for your actions goes a long way," she says. 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? The TIAs also required additional crowd manager personnel, among other things. It is now mandatory for nightclubs with occupancy over 150 to have them. But the night of the fire it was up to help cut down the noise. Patrick Lynch: You're telling me it wasn't, and I don't know that it wasn't. She spoke with the Globe about Jefferey and Michael Derderian, the . The roof was caving in, walls were caving in, body after body in front of me. In fact, they did the opposite.". 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. 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. Taking her students to the memorial park and telling them what it means were ways of building that memory, she said. [82] The stop was removed from the game by developer Niantic later that month. When January comes each year, she starts a lesson, delicately, talking about The Station and how there was a fire there. "We have 39 confirmed fatalities, and we are still in the process of searching the rubble. Nothing lifts his despair. A staggering 100 lives were lost. This article was originally published on Oct. 22, 2021. Dan Biechele, center, at his sentencing. And I never expected it to take off as fast as it did. REELZ today announced the network's original documentary America's Deadliest Rock Concert: The Guest List premieres February 20th at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT presenting the deeply personal stories of lives forever altered by the tragic Station nightclub fire that left 100 people dead, more than 200 injured and devastated the tight-knit community of West Warwick, Rhode Island. Updated on: October 24, 2021 / 2:07 AM And I sent it to her and the best compliment I ever got was oh, his hairs fantastic.. My friends were dead, my other friends are severely injured, I no longer look like myself. Based upon its work, Tentative Interim Amendments (TIAs) were issued for the national standard "Life Safety Code" (NFPA 101), in July 2003. The brothers say there was evidence that the grand jury never heard. : In 2021, 48 Hours described the total civil payments to the victims and families as $176 million. I thought how terrible it was that my daughter was going to grow up without her mom. [tears up] And the roof and just everything just fast, too fast. Now in private practice, Lynch says he looked into a host of people. CBS Boston Rhode Island Gov. At first, there was no panic. Her fianc, Alfred Freddy Crisostomi, who was behind her, pushing her toward the door, perished. I couldn't get up. 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. 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. In the stampede, 21 people were killed. Tracy King died saving many others the night of the fire. 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. As it turns out, the foam they used was highly flammable. And then, ever so slowly, he learned to walk again. To satisfy noise complaints from neighbors, the brothers had installed foam along the club's walls and ceilings. [94] Russell's group made its first New England appearance in twelve years at a harvest festival in Mechanic Falls, Maine, in August 2015. Jim Axelrod: Did you have enough time to form those complete thoughts? 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.. "48 Hours" has confirmed the fax wasnotpresented to the grand jury. Eighteen years later, there is no consensus among survivors when it comes to blame. 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Michael Derderian also spoke via phone to an investigator. Obviously the nightclub was not in compliance, and there never should have been pyrotechnics, but there's no evidence the bouncers blocked people from . [3] A fire had previously occurred at the building in 1972 while it was used as a restaurant called Julio's. [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. That's what the code says. Since he co-owned The Station nightclub with his brother Michael Derderian, Jeff suggested it as a venue for generic nightclub footage. They promoted the event. [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. When King arrived, he saw the devastating scene. 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 result is poignant footage contrasting very different life stories. Within weeks, the National Fire Protection Association committee met to regulate code for "assembly occupancies." So that was huge.. So, it was not a great decision to use these inside a nightclub that only has 12-foot ceilings. 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. I am proud. fine against Station Nightclub owners upheld", "Station nightclub fire survivor tells how she's moved on in new book", "The Station fire took emotional toll on survivors, study finds", "Tentative $30 million deal in R. I. nightclub fire", "TV station that assigned reporter to cover his own nightclub raises ethical issue", "Station Video Spurs Lawsuit - Pollstar News", "Nightclub owner resigns from WPRI television", "Report of the Technical Investigation of The Station Nightclub Fire: Appendices (NIST NCSTAR 2), Volume 2", "Grand Jury Convened to Probe Deadly R.I. 2021, shooting at a San Jose rail station. There was no one coming out the back door anymore. It was there, she said, that she found the best therapists: others who had been in the fire. Club owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian reached a settlement of $813,000 with survivors and victims' families in September 2008. In the other rooms, the smoke hadn't gotten to them, the flame wasn't that bad, they didn't think anything of it. He says he managed to escape through the front door before a stampede of people got stuck in the narrow hallway and blocked the exit. And outside I went. But what they received was highly flammable packing foam. Flames can be seen on the back wall. That's all I can keep seeing in my head. And if we could change it, we would. [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. Patrick Lynch: I can't remember, honestly. Susan Nicol. . "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. 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. Like Barr, Linda Saran had also spent three weeks in a medically induced coma. Jody King: They blamed three. Tracy died never giving up. Michael Derderian: We say that they we're sorry for all of it. 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. [tears up, shaking his head]. Biechele pleaded guilty to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and was sentenced to four years in prison. 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. [20], Great White started their performance at 11:07 p.m. on February 20. [13], In February 2003, Great White was on an eighteen date concert tour, and they had been using a pyrotechnic display during their performances that some club owners had denied them permission to use, citing safety concerns. I figured I was on my own at that point.. Jim Axelrod: Were you a fan of the band Great White? Michael Derderian: Zero. For the Derderians, the "full story" begins with the issue of permission. Linda Saran: It's like a riptide. PATRICK LYNCH [news interview]: Certainly, there are people we are looking at, ultimately, we may target. And yet, at the point in time, I don't think I knew his name. Jim Axelrod: I want to ask you about Phil Barr. [25] Fire departments in Warwick, Coventry, and Cranston rendered mutual aid to the fire site. 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. Phil Barr: We kind of crouched down behind some of the people in front of us. [21] The Station did not have a sprinkler system installed. Season 1. She took a photograph of the stone of a man who died and sent it to his daughter in California. And he says you can. He apologized to the families of the victims and made no attempt to mitigate his guilt," the letter said. It was really everything to me at that time. Nine friends didnt. "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. Hundreds of people ran to the only exit many of them knew the way they came in. / CBS News. Since The Station fire, many states have adopted stricter fire prevention codes. Jim Axelrod: When the foam came, was there anything on the packaging that indicated that it was highly flammable? The Guest List: The Station Nightclub Fire, America's Deadliest Rock Concert will premiere on Sunday, February 20, 2022. When I turned around, some people were already trying to leave, and others were just sitting there going, "Yeah, that's great!" [60] As of 2013[update], Biechele lived in Florida with his wife and two children. Honored to have been able to attend such an in depth and eye opening training opportunity. Phil Barr: and I felt the door and I just heaved my shoulder into it. It just so happens that we're evacuated due to the CZU complex fire but hey that's how. And so, when the fire inspector came in and said that that door had to come down the door, the door did come down. [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. Joe Kinan was badly burned in the deadly Station Nightclub fire in Rhode Island that left 100 dead and 230 injured in February 2003 . So, it was very quickly they were in the circle of people we should look at. Share. I went over, put my hands against the glass, and I started kicking at that window and it wouldn't break. [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. Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch opened an investigation and convened a grand jury to determine if anyone should face criminal charges. Seconds later, flames appeared on the back wall. In the days after the fire, victims' families and survivors faced a harsh new reality. Jim Axelrod: How do you know he went in nine times? Phil Barr: I couldn't hear alarms. Phil Barr: Being a survivor of The Station nightclub fire is a piece of who I am. Gina Russo of Cranston, R.I. is a survivor of the Station nightclub fire and president of The Station Fire Memorial Foundation. In February 2008, Providence television station. And that's when the crowd realizes this is a real danger and we have to get out of here. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. But that night, leading the cameraman around was bouncer Tracy King, a dedicated husband and father of three young boys. Phil Barr fought to breathe on his own. I never thought it would get so bad., He told bartender Julie Mellini that they had to leave, and she and several patrons followed Vanner out the kitchen door. "I literally baked alive," says Linda Barr. " 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. 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. 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. Michael Derderian: Remember, I'm still in Florida. And people just stood there. The fire began as rock band Great White played to the crowd. [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. [48] The grand jury also did not return charges against Russell. I ran across the room and I ran face-first into the wall.