She said she spent years after that in pain and anger. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. Both the brothers had other jobs. Warner lived next to The Station and had met the brothers. CNN reported, A statement released by brothers Michael and Jeffrey Derderian [co-owners of the Station nightclub] read: At no time did either owner have prior knowledge that pyrotechnics were going to be used by the band Great White., Dominic Santana, owner of the New Jersey nightclub Stone Pony, claimed Great White had used pyrotechnics during a show at his nightclub without permission. Weather Traffic Station nightclub fire Names are listed in alphabetical order by last name. So, the only way to pick up a can of soda would be to do this [lifting both arms out parallel in front of her]. That specific. A firefighter holds his hand to his forehead as he stands amidst the rubble at the scene of a deadly fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I. Friday, Feb. 21, 2003. How did you meet him? The Station nightclub fire would become one of the deadliest fires in a club in U.S. history. Privacy Policy. Fifteen years since that terrible night. A passerby stops to talk to a police officer at the site of The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I., Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003. In December 2003, nine months after the fire, Jeff and Michael Derderian were in court, each charged with 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter 100 for criminal negligence, and 100 for misdemeanor manslaughter. Firefighters carry the body of a fire victim from the charred wreckage of The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I., Friday, Feb. 21, 2003. The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick in 2003 was the fourth-worst such fire in the nation's history. Michael Derderian: I don't know about that. His camera caught excited, beer drinking, smiling heavy-metal fans. The Station was owned by brothers Michael and Jeff Derderian. The 1970s were an important era in New Jersey history. 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. As survivor Gina Russo and writer Paul Londardo reported in From the Ashes, the first theory was criminal negligence manslaughter, which results when the accused ignores the bodily risk to others and death results. According to author Scott James, Great White had reportedly used a large pyro display without permission at other clubs, including just days before the fire at a show in New Jersey. Barr was now outside, but he felt like his lungs were on fire. Cameraman Brian Butler was at The Station on February 23, 2003. undisputable. When fireworks ignited the soundproofing foam on the stage wall, he ran for a fire extinguisher. Learn more about how you can collaborate with us. . And I was responsible for the day to day. Phil Barr: I remember the smoke descended really quickly. We screwed up." 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. Jody King: Hopped out of bed, grabbed my clothes, grabbed my keys, hopped in the car and took off. "I can't do it for the rest of my life," she said. 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. People were crushing each other in front of him trying to get out of the emergency exits. Jeff Derderian: That door was meant to block the noise from the neighbors. In the aftermath, West Warwick, Rhode Island TV news reporter Jeff Derderian wanted to run a story on nightclub safety. February 20, 2003. 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. One of them is never say die, never give up. And outside I went. Christina Pimentel wasn't 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. Jody King: He ran in and came out nine times in 90 seconds. All defendants settled. 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. I couldn't understand him or understand the magnitude of what was going on there. At the time of The Station fire, older clubs in Rhode Island weren't required to install sprinklers. Vanner spoke about how his life derailed after 11:07 p.m. on Feb. 20, 2003. Prosecutor Randall White urged a sentence of ten years, Biechele frequently paused to choke back tears, 10 Things You Learn From Being Raised By A StrongMother, Heres The Most Notorious Murder From EveryState, Here Is The Scariest Urban Legend From EveryState, 10 Of The Most Horrifying Concert Tragedies InHistory. Michael Derderian: It would have been horrific to have people go through this. Jury selection begins Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006, for a trial that could last several months. Families of the killed and survivors sought for years to have the site of the horror turned into a permanent memorial. I never wanted anyone to be hurt in any way. I don't even like to talk about it. The brothers have always maintained that they never gave the band permission to use pyrotechnics. The Derderians say that in the three years they owned the club, no one ever questioned the safety of the foam and say the club was inspected by their insurance company, and multiple times by the local Fire Marshal Denis Laroque. Scott James: You have four exits. ", He told bartender Julie Mellini that they had to leave, and she and several patrons followed Vanner out the kitchen door. Since 2003, the approach of the anniversary of the Station fire, where she and her twin sister, Cara Ann, got out unhurt while 100 others died and about 200 more were injured, was four weeks of dread. He don't know. Scott James: It should not have happened. Doreen Schechter and Gary Winter are the editors. Katie was with her friend Bridget Sanetti. 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. Saran was one of the more than 200 who were seriously hurt in the fire. 100 people perished. "But instead, I chose to run like a common coward.". Cookie Notice They said a critical piece of evidence was never presented to the grand jury. Browse 440 station nightclub fire photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. The answer is no. February 20, 2003. 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. A deadly . Out of it. / CBS News. MICHAEL DERDERIAN: I plead not guilty, your honor. (crying) So I can't expect anybody else to. He owned his own construction company, and he was often in the backyard with his sons, improving the landscape or building two ponds that he filled with koi fish. She got out. It was already in contract. A surgery to correct a childhood ailment with his ears left him able to balance objects on his chin. 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. At 55, he lives with his parents and keeps to himself. Enter https://www.firerescue1.com/ and click OK. Editors note: Ad blockers can cause photos and captions to appear out of order or show information unrelated to the photo displayed. Purchase and sale had been signed. That's how thick the smoke was. The one-story building burned to the ground in about three minutes. 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. It's not just about hitting the next goal but doing something really meaningful. She'd read Russo's book, about how the fire left her "a bald chick," and it convinced her to go back out into the world. Kiszla: One-hit wonders? And they played the arenas. You take one square inch of the foam, you hold it up with a roach clip and light it on fire with a wooden match. And so, when the fire inspector came in and said that that door had to come down the door, the door did come down. But I don't want it to define the rest of my life. It was liquid fire," says former Attorney General Patrick Lynch, who investigated the disaster. 2010 The Thought & Expression Company, Inc. My parents taught us a lot, a lot of things. Im so sorry.. He don't know. Firefighters continue to work at the smoldering scene of a deadly fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I. Friday, Feb. 21, 2003. The fire spread quickly . The Station Nightclub Fire: Who's Responsible? Michael Derderian: They got this fax and it went on to describe the business practices of the foam company. And that's when the crowd realizes this is a real danger and we have to get out of here. Chad Daybell's kids claim he was "fooled in worst, most deadly way possible", Frances Hall case: Texas love triangle turns deadly, Unlikely clue helps bring young mom's killer to justice. . He is now seven years sober from cocaine, although alcohol is a more "pestering problem," he says. But he didn't know what. And I'm like, "OK.". Linda Saran: I could have missed it all. Jeff told the audience that polyurethane foam is called solid gasoline by fire experts. Linda Saran: I think a lot of people miss out on the moments. 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. 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. Devin Booker sulked. The Station Nightclub fire victim count grew to 100. Jeff Derderian: There's so many things that factor into the decision to do that. 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 . But then the door would go back up when it was going to be a loud night. But, you know, they have this following to this day . The Station Nightclub Fire, Rhode Island, 2003. The devastation wrought by the defendant in unparalleled is our states history, White asserted. I noted last year when we posted vintage photos of clubs and music venues, that the 1970s and 1980s were great times in New Jersey for those who had a penchant for live music. They were told to take it down. ", Scott James: They had their moments. Jody King says his brother enjoyed working for the Derderians. it was happening so fast, fast, fast, fast. Jim Axelrod: Do you feel, "Oh my goodness, we're in trouble?". She took a photograph of the stone of a man who died and sent it to his daughter in California. 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. It looked like a ladder of those black jelly bracelets from the 80s hanging in rings around my wrists. I never imagined that anyone ever would be. Investigators eventually discovered the fax was sent by Barry Warner, a former employee at American Foam the company that had sent the Derderians the packing foam made of flammable polyurethane. I had no control over my muscles. if he had done that, then he would have obviously have said to us . You were not approaching that area at all. It couldn't continue another 10, 15 years, it couldn't. I couldn't get up. This shows why you should always know where . Michael Derderian: He's completely out of it. Patrick Lynch: Jeffrey and Michael Derderian. The image on the left is the last image of Katie O'Donnell. 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. Keeler: Avs fans, could we please skip Valeri Nichushkin, Nazem Kadri revisionist history? Station nightclub fire scene, viewed from above. In fact, they did the opposite.". He sees his actions as a verdict on his own humanity. interacts online and researches product purchases PATRICK LYNCH [news interview]: Certainly, there are people we are looking at, ultimately, we may target. The club was sold. "It's hard to describe the level of agony. That happened in 2001. If they stood up and said, small business owners, we were inexperienced. Jeff Derderian: I don't know. "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]. Kevin Durant moped. And why wasn't the foam company charged? "I did not lead them out," he said dismissively. 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. West Greenwich, Kent County, Rhode Island, USA. From the Soap . daddyodowd 12 yr. ago For more information, please see our Jeff Derderian: Why is it OK that the fire marshal is allowed to miss something or make a mistake and what he did was just an oops, but what we did was criminal? Jeff Derderian: That door was opened immediately and that's where the band went 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. Jeff Derderian: Because in my mind I had nothing to hide. "I literally baked alive," says Linda Barr. " From the air the burned out remains of The Station nightclub where atleast 60 people died in a late night fire on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003 in West Warwick, R.I., is seen in the center top, Friday, Feb. 21, 2003. Patrick Lynch: The type of foam was equal to gallons of gasoline. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. To satisfy noise complaints from neighbors, the brothers had installed foam along the club's walls and ceilings. Keeler: Chris Paul got dirty. I could have missed that My friends that didn't survive that night have missed that. 7. But 15 years later, she said, it's time for her to move out of its shadow. "48 Hours" is not showing any of that footage. Phil Barr: You know just have a beer, see a concert. Jeff was sentenced to three years probation and 500 hours of community service. and I just kind of went down on my face. And if we could change it, we would. 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. Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch opened an investigation and convened a grand jury to determine if anyone should face criminal charges. 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. Witnesses said a flare or firework lit by band members may have started the blaze. You must enable JavaScript in your browser to view and post comments. He said, We do not allow pyrotechnics and it got us by surprise.. He trusted the owners. Tracy King liked to entertain people with his unique talent. Jim Axelrod: When the foam came, was there anything on the packaging that indicated that it was highly flammable? Last year, he was charged with striking a woman for whom he was a caretaker. On the night of February 20, 2003, more than 400 music fans packed into the small Station nightclub. Below are three of my photos from that morning. Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. Jim Axelrod: To people who feel that the two of you have never said we own this what do you say? Barr was located between the stage and the front door. "As we're 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?'" They behaved without flexibility despite the emergency. 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. It's like a surge of bodies. Their story starts three years before the fire. "It made me realize, I might be only one person, but my story and my injuries were making people listen," she said. But with last spring's 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. 230 were injured. Her father has seven brothers, Pimentel said, and she was especially close to Carlos. 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. Michael Derderian: Zero. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. For example, in 2000, shortly after the Derderians purchased the venue, heavy-metal band W.A.S.P. In this Feb. 20, 2003 file photo, firefighters spray water on to the charred remains of the nightclub, The Station located in West Warwick, R.I., Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003. Jim Axelrod: I want to ask you about Phil Barr. On Feb. 20, 2003 100 people were killed and more than 200 injured after a fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. The Station was owned by brothers Jeff and Michael Derderian. Scott James: They are what they call 15x15. Barr says when he came to, he felt excruciating pain near the base of his spine and burning on his face. The brothers decided that because Jeff had young kids, Michael would go. Few people other than staff knew of the kitchen and bar doors. 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. Phil Barr: I loved it. For years, he worked in Boston for Channel 7. 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. 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. "It was criminal," he says. Michael owned a financial services business; Jeff was a local news reporter. John Barylick in Killer Show points out that there is reason to believe the Derderians gave permission since the club had a history of pyrotechnics in shows. Property owner Ray Villanova formally donated it to the Station Fire Memorial Foundation on September 28, 2012. American Foam said Warner's claims about the company are false. But does that mean it's not a crime? Scott James: It was a typical kind of roadside dive. Police investigators survey the site of The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, R.I., in this Feb. 26, 2003, file photo. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Jody King: He went on David Letterman twice to do Stupid Human Tricks. I said to myself, we gotta go. I couldn't hear screaming anymore. ", "We are now at 65, and that may be higher ", Jeff Derderian: "Can you come in? That happened in 2002. 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. finds relevant news, identifies important training information, She endured more than 50 operations. And he's like he don't know. "In my head, I didn't even belong with them because I walked out without a scratch.". [tears up] And the roof and just everything just fast, too fast. He was granted parole and then released after 22 months. he was very kind about it, but he said, "I don't ever see you competitively swimming again." It started as part of the fundraising basketball games she organized at the school. The brothers say there was evidence that the grand jury never heard. Michael Derderian: Correct. I'm going to do this. Eighteen years later, there was no consensus among survivors when it comes to blame. Biechele pleaded guilty to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and was sentenced to four years in prison. That effort raised about $10,000 over seven years to help pay for the construction of the memorial park. This is a company that did little to educate their employees about the limits of polyurethane foam. 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. Michael Derderian: The field test is crystal clear. . That was in like the 80s. Petrarca remembers one of the "most beautiful moments" she's had. Vanner wonders whether he could have saved them. The company paid a hefty settlement and they weren't the only ones. Just seconds after 80s sensation Great White took the stage, pyrotechnics ignited a fire that . "It was crowded, and it was getting bad.
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