Within six minutes, the entire building was engulfed in flames. The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I., was on fire . [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. 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]. 0:57. [38] Derderian had begun working for WPRI on February 17, three days before the fire. At least 64 others were also sued, including the state of Rhode Island citedforthe fire inspector's failure to report the flammable foam during multiple inspections. Patrick Lynch: The defendant had every right to go to trial and say, hey, if it's this mysterious fax that it's trying to be referenced today, 18 years later, hey, this is important. Dan McKee honored the victims, their families, and the first responders who saved many lives. Scott James has written a book about the tragedy called "Trial by Fire.". A decade ago, a survivor . And yet, at the point in time, I don't think I knew his name. His fiance, Tina Ayer, died at 33 in the fire, CBS Boston reported. 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. There's an exit near the stage. ", "We are now at 65, and that may be higher ", Jeff Derderian: "Can you come in? And, according to the brothers, it was one of the first exits used when the fire started. That exit door would soon be engulfed in flames. American Foam Corporation, who sold the insulation to The Station nightclub, agreed in 2008 to pay $6.3 million to settle lawsuits relating to the fire. They should have blamed more. I had the fire extinguisher in my hand, Vanner said. . The brother's plea deal stated only one of them would go to prison. Michael owned a financial services business; Jeff was a local news reporter. Jim Axelrod: Who's responsible for that foam going up on the wall? 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. Warner lived next to The Station and had met the brothers. But many, including the brothers, feel strongly Laroque should also have been charged. Lying on the floor not far from the horseshoe bar, Barr lost consciousness. Even if he died trying. Jeffrey Derderian received 500 hours of community service. Jason Hahn. I found my soul was wanting.. 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. undisputable. But even more than walking, Phil wanted to return to swimming. Biechele and Michael Derderian went to prison. [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. [48], Following the tragedy, Governor Donald Carcieri declared a moratorium on pyrotechnic displays at venues that hold fewer than 300 people. Scott James: I decided I would start asking some questions. And I'm like, "OK.". Linda Saran: The foam was raining down and the flames are dripping from the ceiling. They didn't even let him talk about it. S01:E01 - San Francisco Freeway Collapse. Biechele pleaded guilty to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter, and Michael and Jeff Derderian pleaded no contest. He had an unlikely friend rooting for him. After the fire, multiple civil and criminal cases were filed. PATRICK LYNCH [press conference]: We have an investigation on going and we need help, we need answers and I'm trying to get them. That was the most important thing, they didnt freak.. [98], 41, a documentary about Nicholas O'Neill, the youngest victim of the fire, was screened at Rhode Island theaters in 2008. It looked like it was raining black fire. Patrick Lynch: Jeffrey and Michael Derderian. Eighteen years later, there was no consensus among survivors when it comes to blame. [26] The Cowesett Inn restaurant across the street from the Station acted as an ad-hoc burn triage and command center for first responders. [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. Linda Saran and Phil Barr, badly injured, were transported to a local hospital. I don't care what I'm going to see.". In a statement, Rhode Island Gov. Jim Axelrod: Do you feel, "Oh my goodness, we're in trouble?". I couldn't hear screaming anymore. As we hold those impacted by this tragedy close in our hearts, we also remember the remarkable and courageous actions of first responders, public safety officials, medical professionals, and Rhode Islanders who sprang into action to save lives on that day and who worked to comfort their communities in the days and weeks following.. It justit was so fast. [81] In August 2016, the site was reported to have been being used as a PokeStop in Pokmon Go, to uproar from victims' families. Jim Axelrod: Does this mean you feel a sense of responsibility? 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. Michael Derderian: They got this fax and it went on to describe the business practices of the foam company. Gina Russo, a survivor of The Station nightclub fire. I went over, put my hands against the glass, and I started kicking at that window and it wouldn't break. 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. Phil Barr: Being a survivor of The Station nightclub fire is a piece of who I am. But when Warner was called before the grand jury, he was not asked about the allegations he made in the fax. He trusted in his friends. 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. They were friends. One of the angles Lynch investigated was the Derderian brothers. The Station Nightclub Fire - University of Cincinnati pdf To summarize the reports, specifically about how people exited, the vast majority of people attempted to exit the way they came in. Biechele was released from prison on March 19, 2008. Jim Axelrod: Did either of you know anything about running a nightclub? I remember getting pushed from behind. 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. Gina Russo of Cranston, R.I. is a survivor of the Station nightclub fire and president of The Station Fire Memorial Foundation. Since he co-owned The Station nightclub with his brother Michael Derderian, Jeff suggested it as a venue for generic nightclub footage. I don't even like to talk about it. One guy did crawl out. First published on October 23, 2021 / 11:18 PM. On Feb. 20, 2003, 100 people were killed and more than 200 others were injured in a fire at the Station nightclub in West Warwick. Michael Derderian: Jeffrey was responsible for all the marketing activities. She said she spent years after that in pain and anger. "48 Hours" is not showing any of that footage. [102] It is left for each state or local jurisdiction to legally enact and enforce the current code changes. [76] Another memorial was later that night the West Warwick Civic Center. 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 knew the window was to my left. But I should have at least tried.. That evening she had a girl's night out with a friend while her young daughter was at a sleepover. I figured I was on my own at that point.. It was liquid fire," says former Attorney General Patrick Lynch, who investigated the disaster. Patrick Lynch: The type of foam was equal to gallons of gasoline. I'll be right back." Pyrotechnics ignited foam insulation that lined the walls and ceiling around the stage, the National Institute of Standards and Technology concluded. [33] One survivor claimed that a bouncer blocked a side door as attendees attempted to escape the building, stating the door was only to be used by the band. [49] In 2013, Kendall told The Providence Journal that he maintained amicable contact with some survivors, victims' families, and the Station Fire Memorial Foundation. Michael Derderian: The field test is crystal clear. It's like a surge of bodies. That happened in 2002. 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. Those at the nightclub had to act soon, as smoke was visible in the exit doorways in just over one minute. 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? "[55] Biechele was released in March 2008. 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. That's all I can keep seeing in my head. [2] Larocque later told the Rhode Island State Police that he had not spotted the polyurethane foam during the November 2002 inspection because he was upset after finding an illegal inward swinging door that he had previously asked to be removed from the building. The story of three survivors that were trapped when the massive Cypress Street viaduct collapsed. He threw my wife, my cousin, my uncle, my sister out a window." Taking her students to the memorial park and telling them what it means were ways of building that memory, she said. Phil Barr: and I felt the door and I just heaved my shoulder into it. And then the main exit that hallway where everyone came through. This is a company that did little to educate their employees about the limits of polyurethane foam. My parents taught us a lot, a lot of things. I went around back. "[23] Within 40 seconds of the ignition, Great White had stopped playing and left the stage and the venue's fire alarm began to sound, but it was not connected to local fire department. In my head, I didnt even belong with them because I walked out without a scratch.. if he had done that, then he would have obviously have said to us . The four exits inside The Station: "There's an exit near the stage an exit through the kitchen. It was liquid fire. She took a photograph of the stone of a man who died and sent it to his daughter in California. Jim Axelrod: Did you have enough time to form those complete thoughts? View Image Gallery. Michael Derderian: No. 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. [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. It was late on Feb. 20, 2003, when the cold winter night erupted in flames. [tearing up] "What a great brother you have. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. that door being up, there is no question that that increased the likelihood that many, many more would perish. Like you feel that kinship that, you know, "God, I really hope this guy makes it." I did not lead them out, he said dismissively. And that song reminds us of that night. It just so happens that we're . Jim Axelrod: How do you know he went in nine times? "[58], Dave Kane and Joanne O'Neill, parents of youngest victim Nicholas O'Neill, released their letter to the board to reporters. Jeff Derderian: You know a day doesn't go by that we don't think about it in some way, shape or form. [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. So, I actually got a really good sense of the layout of the venue. [2] The final tally by The Providence Journal of people inside the Station during the fire totaled 462. Obviously the nightclub was not in compliance, and there never should have been pyrotechnics, but there's no evidence the bouncers blocked people from . Jody King: He went on David Letterman twice to do Stupid Human Tricks. [9] In 2005, the Rhode Island Attorney General office received a fax from Barry Warner, a former employee of American Foam who lived nearby the Station, who claimed the company had known about the dangers of polyurethane foam but did not warn their employees about it. Jody King: I'm so proud to say he's my brother. 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. [4] No occupants were in the building during the 1972 fire, but the interior was significantly damaged. She endured more than 50 operations. Phil Barr: I asked my pulmonologist, you know, "when can I get back in the pool?" Today she is president of the Station Fire Memorial Foundation, the group that oversaw the construction of the memorial park. Its irrelevant.. She said she went into the club that night a naive, fun-loving 27-year-old and came out angry and feeling guilty. Todd King, a founder of The Station Family Fund, said today the fund . Many of the families believed that the punishment was just; others had hoped for a more severe sentence. On February 20, 2003, in West Warwick, Rhode Island, the fourth deadliest nightclub fire in United States history occurred in The Station nightclub. But does that mean it's not a crime? Great White's tour manager Daniel Biechele also faced the same charges. Monday marked the 20th anniversary of the Station nightclub fire, one of the deadliest blazes to ever occur at a nightclub in the United States. She paused, her eyes tearing. This trial was scheduled to start May 1, 2006, but Biechele, against his lawyers' advice,[52] pleaded guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter on February 7, 2006, in what he said was an effort to "bring peace, I want this to be over with."[52]. True to his words, Barr fought to breathe on his own. DANIEL BIECHELE [at sentencing hearing in tears]: I don't know that I will ever forgive myself for what happened that night. [tears up] And the roof and just everything just fast, too fast. Jim Axelrod: And that's when the despair sinks in. He sees a court-ordered therapist, who has told him he has depression and PTSD. Phil Barr fought to breathe on his own. [51], Victims' families have also cited overcrowding in the venue as a cause for the causalities during the fire. [94] Russell's group made its first New England appearance in twelve years at a harvest festival in Mechanic Falls, Maine, in August 2015. 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. Phil Barr: It was getting harder and harder to breathe I could feel tightness and constriction in my chest. 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. But she refuses to live in the past. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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. And I never expected it to take off as fast as it did. Eighteen years later, there is no consensus among survivors when it comes to blame. And he says you can. The brothers have since learned that the fire marshal should have tested the foam on the wall. That effort raised about $10,000 over seven years to help pay for the construction of the memorial park. 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. Jody King: As I went by the fire station fire trucks are coming out Now the question in my head is why are all these firetrucks leaving? The Foam.". So, I said to Deb, "stay here. 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 It was completely preventable. [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. His work was instrumental in amassing 176 million dollars in settlements from persons and corporations responsible for the fire. I ran across the room and I ran face-first into the wall. As it turns out, the foam they used was highly flammable. Jeff Derderian: There's so many things that factor into the decision to do that. [4] Another restaurant opened in the building in 1974. The Station nightclub in West Warwick burned down on Feb. 20, 2003, during a concert by rock band Great White, leaving 100 people dead and more than 200 injured. Scott James: It was a typical kind of roadside dive. S01:E02 - Joplin Tornado. ", "Fire in a nightclub: the band; group persevered by making circuit of smaller clubs", "How tragedy inspired one member of Great White", "Rhode Island Remembers Victims Of Deadly GREAT WHITE Concert Fire", "Club, band dispute permission to use fireworks - Feb. 22, 2003", "Memories sear survivor of fire that killed 100 in 2003", "Parents mourn loss of only child in nightclub fire, but cherish time they had after first near-death experience", "Radio station to remain in fire lawsuits", "Clear Channel agrees to pay $22 million to nightclub fire victims", "Portraits of people who died in the R.I. nightclub fire", "Timeline: What happened the night of the Station nightclub fire? [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. Her father wont visit the memorial, and it took her years to be able to drive down Cowesett Avenue, she said. [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. It was already in contract. This is a massive part of my life. Michael and Jeff Derderian pleaded no contest to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and agreed to a deal. The Derderians say despite their love for the club the business had peaked, and they were in the process of selling it. Joe Kinan was badly burned in the deadly Station Nightclub fire in Rhode Island that left 100 dead and 230 injured in February 2003 . I miss Tina a lot. Daniel Biechele, the tour manager for Great White who had ignited the pyrotechnics, plead guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter in 2006 and was sentenced to fifteen years in prison with four to serve. As soon as the pyrotechnics stopped, the flame had started on the egg-crate backing behind the stage, and it just went up the ceiling. Gina Russo, who was in The Station on Feb. 20, 2003, barely made it out. They all say I never would have stopped it, and I probably wouldnt have. I went and laid down next to Deb and just waited to die. About a month after the fire Barr went home from the hospital. This is the time to leave. Like Barr, Linda Saran had also spent three weeks in a medically induced coma. Jeff Derderian: I remember we were trying to get people away from the building. . Like, "get away from the building." It had to end, for me and it ended in the most beautiful way.. [84] In September 2012, the owner of the land, Ray Villanova, donated the site to the SFMF. Phil Barr [teary-eyed]: Getting another opportunity to live my life came with enormous responsibility. 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.. The Derderians bought the club as an investment. If they stood up and said, small business owners, we were inexperienced. The tragedy, she said, heightened her appreciation of the life she was allowed, for whatever reason, to continue. [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. he was very kind about it, but he said, "I don't ever see you competitively swimming again." That day let her put a period on the last sentence of Chapter Two, she said. Linda Saran: Second- and-third-degree burns, over 34 percent of my body from the heat. It would have been my legacy, Vanner said. The brothers have always maintained that they never gave the band permission to use pyrotechnics. Linda Saran: When I first went out the window, I landed on the stairs. 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. He don't know. In the aftermath, West Warwick, Rhode Island TV news reporter Jeff Derderian wanted to run a story on nightclub safety.