On Feb. 20, 2003 100 people were killed and more than 200 injured after a fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick. He don't know. Images From Station Nightclub Fire - YouTube The notorious picture of Jeff Rader inside the notorious Station Nightclub during the fire. Fire survivor Jesse Botelho, 30, of Pawtucket, R.I. speaks to reporters near the remains of The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I., Friday, Feb. 21, 2003 The. 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. It looked like it was raining black fire. "It's just one of those things that's ingrained in you.". 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Jeff was sentenced to three years probation and 500 hours of community service. The Station Nightclub Fire | A Short Documentary - YouTube it became very, very hard to breathe. White reminded the judge that Biechele had not gotten the legally required permit to light pyrotechnics. The fire, which killed at least 54 people, resulted from a pyrotechnics display during the first song of Great White's set. But that night, leading the cameraman around was bouncer Tracy King, a dedicated husband and father of three young boys. - station nightclub fire stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. 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]. Linda Saran: The night of the fire I got in for free. Nothing lifts his despair. Police remove a body from the charred ruins of The Station nightclub after a deadly fire that officals say caused the death of at least 85 people, Friday, Feb. 21, 2003, in West Warwick, R.I. Steven Ayer, 55, of West Warwick, R.I., displays photographs of his daughter Tina, 33, near the site of The Station nightclub, in West Warwick, Friday, Feb. 21, 2003. The first was her life before Feb. 20, 2003. there are other people who should be responsible. Route 46 in Saddle Brook circa 1965. The second was the time from that night until the dedication of the memorial last spring. The brothers say there was evidence that the grand jury never heard. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. The Station nightclub owners Michael, left, and Jeffrey Derderian, right, pleaded no contest to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and agreed to a deal. Linda Saran still places much of it on the Derderian brothers. Patrick Lynch: The type of foam was equal to gallons of gasoline. Michael Derderian: He finds the deficiencies, you have to correct the deficiencies and then signs off so that you so you can get your liquor license that happened in 2000. Nine friends didn't. Jeff Derderian: There's so many things that factor into the decision to do that. Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI if I had nothing to hide, then why wouldn't you why wouldn't you talk to them and tell them what you knew or what you didn't know? For the first few years she shunned memorial ceremonies but eventually was convinced to go. Three days after the station fire, Jody King finally got the news that his brother Tracy's body had been found. Archived post. (WJAR) Sunday marks 19 years since a fire tore through The Station nightclub fire in. Jody King: Nine different families have come up to me and said "thank you for having a great brother. Enter https://www.firerescue1.com/ and click OK. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. Del Sesto said her life is told in three chapters now. But when Warner was called before the grand jury, he was not asked about the allegations he made in the fax. Lourdes Aguiar is the senior producer. He said, We do not allow pyrotechnics and it got us by surprise.. 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. I dont know that Ill ever forgive myself for what happened that night so I cant expect anyone else to. All rights reserved. But what they received was highly flammable packing foam. Briody stated, Hes the only man to say, I apologize. . 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. That was his gift. So, to the people who think we don't own it I'm telling you, we DO own it ok? Great White's tour manager Daniel Biechele also faced the same charges. Station nightclub fire scene, viewed from above. However, he failed to connect this story to the insulation at The Station. The brothers decided that because Jeff had young kids, Michael would go. Her bill was $646 that month, she said. Pictures of people only please! Tracy King died saving many others the night of the fire. Unfortunately, Jeff lost his life in the fire. The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick in 2003 was the fourth-worst such fire in the nation's history. Last year, he was charged with striking a woman for whom he was a caretaker. In the days after the fire, victims' families and survivors faced a harsh new reality. 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. 15 Vintage Photos Of New Jersey In The 1970s - OnlyInYourState But, you know, they have this following to this day . Also outside was club owner Jeff Derderian. That exit door would soon be engulfed in flames. The one-story building burned to the ground in about three minutes. Families of the killed and survivors sought for years to have the site of the horror turned into a permanent memorial. 10. ", "Things that bother people you sit there and you shake your head and you go, if this is the worst thing that happens to me today, this month, this year, this decade, I mean, at that point it's one of those things. Copyright 2023 FireRescue1. The Station Nightclub fire victim count grew to 100. Footage of the Station Night Club fire [warning: graphic] - Reddit and I tripped over what I assume was a bar stool. "The first time I went to counseling, I made the therapist cry," Del Sesto said. And I stood up. 2023 Getty Images. 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. Warner lived next to The Station and had met the brothers. Phil Barr: We kind of crouched down behind some of the people in front of us. Part of the reason he served more time than Biechele may have been that Michael was less than a model prisoner. "We have 39 confirmed fatalities, and we are still in the process of searching the rubble. if he had done that, then he would have obviously have said to us . 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. Doomed fans stuck in the doorway of The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, RI. Investigators and fire personnel can be seen in front of the burned out shell. To satisfy noise complaints from neighbors, the brothers had installed foam along the club's walls and ceilings. 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. 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. 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. A Trenton, New Jersey train station in 1967. 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. Jim Axelrod: Did you have enough time to form those complete thoughts? Linda Saran: The foam was raining down and the flames are dripping from the ceiling. I'm going to do this. Property owner Ray Villanova formally donated it to the Station Fire Memorial Foundation on September 28, 2012. Lead singer Jack Russell said, Wow . Barylick points to several instances shortly before the fire in which clubs withheld permission for pyrotechnics and Great White did not use it. He threw my wife, my cousin, my uncle, my sister out a window." And if we could change it, we would. Phil Barr: I couldn't hear alarms. And they played the arenas. Patrick Lynch: while troubling, concerning, maddening it doesn't mean that somebody should be charged or can be. PATRICK LYNCH [news interview]: Certainly, there are people we are looking at, ultimately, we may target. According to Boston.com, Since being sent to prison, Michael Derderian has been disciplined for breaking the rules at his work release job and in prison. Sep 5, 2019 - Explore Sara Bielamowicz's board "Trenton Old Photos" on Pinterest. And then, ever so slowly, he learned to walk again. And then the main exit that hallway where everyone came through. Barr was located between the stage and the front door. Jim Axelrod: Describe The Station nightclub for me. To the right is this much larger space in front of a stage. She sees telling the story of the Station fire as a way of preventing others from going through the same thing. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. GREAT WHITE Station Fire Update: Autopsy Photos Released To Defendants Great White was part of the lawsuit. And I'm like, "OK.". In fact, they did the opposite.". Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. Jody King: We never knew the whole story because the trial never happened, so everything really never came out. The Station Nightclub was a popular heavy metal nightclub in West Warwick, RI built in 1946 and grandfathered out of the 1976 fire sprinkler law. 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. This entry was posted on Thursday, February 20th, 2020 at 7:40 am and is filed under Uncategorized. Kevin Durant moped. "They all say I never would have stopped it, and I probably wouldn't have. Then there's that interior, inward swinging door by the stage that Former Attorney General Patrick Lynch says was responsible for loss of life the night of the fire. The Station Fire Tapes '03 - YouTube The cameraman managed to escape. They were told to take it down. Petrarca remembers one of the "most beautiful moments" she's had. That's all I can keep seeing in my head. "But instead, I chose to run like a common coward.". Scott James: I decided I would start asking some questions. About 40 seconds after the song began, Great White stopped the show and all but one member of the band escaped through the stage door exit. Few people other than staff knew of the kitchen and bar doors. A Rhode Island nightclub burst into flames during a pyrotechnics display at a rock concert, killing at least 26 people and injuring more than 150 as mobs of concertgoers frantically rushed to escape the raging fire. The actual Station Nightclub Fire footage. For more information, please see our which was managed by Biechele used pyrotechnics. But many, including the brothers, feel strongly Laroque should also have been charged. The Station nightclub fire (w/ Pre-fire footage) - YouTube The fire started about 11:08 PM, Thursday, February 20, 2003, just seconds into headlining band Great White's first song. As a human being how do you not feel some sort of responsibility for that ? They all later accepted plea deals. We couldn't make it. And I hear [moves her arms to the side with a whoosh] and out Deb went. It looked like a ladder of those black jelly bracelets from the 80s hanging in rings around my wrists. Shrieks filled the air as people raced to leave the inferno. The image on the left is the last image of Katie O'Donnell. Jim Axelrod: Mr. Warner's fax wasn't presented to the grand jury, correct? And he says you can. That is the furthest exit away from the stage But it's a relatively straight line. you could not see your hand in front of your face. I said to myself, we gotta go. (crying) So I can't expect anybody else to. The answer is no. Scott James has written a book about the tragedy called "Trial by Fire.". 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. Also there that night was Bates College student Phil Barr, who was home for winter break. We screwed up." Jim Axelrod: When the foam came, was there anything on the packaging that indicated that it was highly flammable? On the night of February 20, 2003, more than 400 music fans packed into the small Station nightclub. In this Feb. 20, 2003 aerial file photo, authorities continue their work at The Station nightclub where more than 100 people died in a late night fire, in West Warwick, R.I. A fire that swept through a crowded nightclub in southern Brazil early Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013, and killed more than 230 people appears to be the deadliest in more a decade. Michael Derderian: He's completely out of it. Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch opened an investigation and convened a grand jury to determine if anyone should face criminal charges. And then we've got the pressure from the judge saying you know, you're going to go to jail for 30 years apiece. Michael received a harsher sentence than Jeff due to a greater involvement in the buying and installation of the foam. Linda Saran: They have said they were sorry. You may additional context in comments. Kiszla: One-hit wonders? The Feb. 20, 2003, fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island started when pyrotechnics for the rock band Great White set fire to flammable foam installed as soundproofing.. That night, he allowed a cameraman to shoot footage inside the club for an upcoming story about safety in public venues. At about 11:00 p.m., headlining band Great White began the song Desert Moon and tour manager Daniel Biechele flipped the switch to pyrotechnics, producing sparks. He was out there, and he just loved being in the center. he was very kind about it, but he said, "I don't ever see you competitively swimming again." "We never knew the whole story because the trial never happened, so everything really never came out," says Jody King, whose brother worked at The Station as a bouncer. 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. Biechele flipped a switch that caused lead singer Blackie Lawlesss crotch to erupt with showering sparks. "There really weren't that many people around early in the night. station nightclub 26,447 Station Fire Premium High Res Photos Browse 26,447 station fire photos and images available, or search for station nightclub fire or station nightclub to find more great photos and pictures. "This is a massive part of my life. Photos and memories from that horrible day. The Station Nightclub Fire It claimed 100 lives and left some 230 other people injured. Out of it. Collect, curate and comment on your files. These are videos of prior performances taken inside the club. I had no control over my muscles. 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. They were charged with two counts for every lost life under separate theories of the crime. For example, in 2000, shortly after the Derderians purchased the venue, heavy-metal band W.A.S.P. Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell case: A timeline of events. Who was responsible for The Station nightclub fire. They said a critical piece of evidence was never presented to the grand jury. 2 Aug 1970 - 20 Feb 2003. 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. 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: The club was sold. Do you understand that anger? They promoted the event. Phil Barr: and I felt the door and I just heaved my shoulder into it. His attorney said Biechele wanted to be a private person.. It fuels you. A fire occurred on the night of Feb. 20, 2003, in The Station nightclub at 211 Cowesett Avenue, West Warwick, Rhode Island. Footage of the Station Night Club fire [warning: graphic]. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. 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. And that's when the crowd realizes this is a real danger and we have to get out of here. Jury selection begins Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006, for a trial that could last several months. Jeff Derderian: Because in my mind I had nothing to hide. Jim Axelrod: Were you a fan of the band Great White? 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. Founded in 2010, Thought Catalog is owned and operated by The Thought & Expression Company, Inc. For over a decade, we've been at the bleeding edge of media, pioneering an infrastructure for creatives to flourish both artistically and financially. The fire was caused by pyrotechnics set off by the tour manager of the evening's headlining band, Great White, which ignited flammable acoustic foam in . Phil Barr: Yep. Like you feel that kinship that, you know, "God, I really hope this guy makes it." "It would have been my legacy," Vanner said. Linda Saran: Most of the crowd thought it was part of the show and didn't move. From the Soap . Collect, curate and comment on your files. "I would see the burn survivors, whom I'm lucky enough to call friends," Del Sesto said. The fire alarms ring, flames burst all over the stage and thick black smoke pollutes the air. Jeff Derderian: I don't know. He had failed to get a license for the pyrotechnics from the State of Rhode Island and permits from the local fire department. The Derderians ordered polyurethane foam from American Foam and installed blocks of it over the walls and ceiling on The Station. 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. "It was crowded, and it was getting bad. A surgery to correct a childhood ailment with his ears left him able to balance objects on his chin. Fifteen years since that terrible night. And I was responsible for the day to day. If they stood up and said, small business owners, we were inexperienced. Copyright 2023 444 Station Nightclub Fire Premium High Res Photos PHOTOS: On this day - February 20, 2003 -- The Station nightclub fire Michael and Jeff Derderian pleaded no contest to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and agreed to a deal. In the aftermath, Vanner battled an addiction to crack cocaine and alcohol, which he used to cope but which cost him jobs and his driver's license. It is now mandatory for nightclubs with occupancy over 150 to have them. That's how thick the smoke was. Early in 2001, Jeff reported on-camera about the fire hazard posed by foam mattresses. She paused, her eyes tearing. that door being up, there is no question that that increased the likelihood that many, many more would perish. And that's when it starts to hit you all that you've lost. Lexipol. She got out. I could have missed that My friends that didn't survive that night have missed that. "48 Hours" has confirmed the fax wasnotpresented to the grand jury. PATRICK LYNCH [press conference]: We have an investigation on going and we need help, we need answers and I'm trying to get them. (Photo/Wikimedia Commons) Robin Petrarca was in New York City three weeks ago, looking for some. 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. The Station Night Club Fire (GRAPHIC) Camdyn Matthew Follow 8 years ago The Station Night Club Fire (GRAPHIC) Report Browse more videos Browse more videos Playing next 0:27 NSFW Woman FLASHES Live TV News Reporter (Funny) Funny 0:38 Most SHOCKING Video Ever - Seconds from Fall to Death (Ground 100s Meters Below) - Skywalking-f Sarahrutherfordpizzas Regardless, Lynch points out the Derderians still chose to take a plea deal instead of going to trial. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. So, I would think that the pyrotechnic provision would be in there just like we need to have, you know, 12 M&Ms, I mean, you know, and they need to be brown. 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. And then the main exit that hallway where everyone came through," explains Scott James. Jim Axelrod: If the brothers are relying on the fire marshal to tell them whether or not they can continue to do business. 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. Station fire, 15 years later: Survivors tell their stories Michael Derderian: They got this fax and it went on to describe the business practices of the foam company. In the aftermath, West Warwick, Rhode Island TV news reporter Jeff Derderian wanted to run a story on nightclub safety. Jody King: I see the horror. Since The Station fire, many states have adopted stricter fire prevention codes. 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. Scott James: It should not have happened. He spent 33 months in prison, while Jeff had to do 500 hours of community service. Flames can be seen on the back wall. Editors note: Ad blockers can cause photos and captions to appear out of order or show information unrelated to the photo displayed. Our community offers an alternative to subs that don't allow videos or podcast links as post submissions to kick off discussion. 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. He lost his work-release job and was transferred from minimum to medium security.. They didn't even let him talk about it. 100 victims in photos. They want to talk to you." JACK RUSSELL [news interview]: Rock and Roll is supposed to be fun, not deadly you know. Jim Axelrod: The brothers say," wait a minute, we ordered sound foam. He got a tire iron from his car, smashed the glass, and started pulling people out. The devastation wrought by the defendant in unparalleled is our states history, White asserted. We talk about fire safety a bit, I don't get too, too far into it.". Jody King: I'm so proud to say he's my brother. Station Night Club Fire Victims: a Virtual Cemetery - Find a Grave Some tried to leave through the stage exit only to be confronted by bulky bouncers blocking their way, intoning, Band exit only.. 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. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. Reddit - Dive into anything Witnesses said a. 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. At the time of The Station fire, older clubs in Rhode Island weren't required to install sprinklers. At the time of the fire, he had just started a new job closer to home in Providence at the local CBS station. "I figured I was on my own at that point.". Doomed fans stuck in the doorway of The Station nightclub fire in West Saint Joseph's Cemetery. In the months and years that followed, Jody also learned about Tracy's heroic last moments. Im so sorry for what Ive done and I dont want to cause anyone any more pain. Robin Petrarca was in New York City three weeks ago, looking for some laughs in a comedy club. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. Linda will forever wear the scars of that horrible night. The fire spread quickly . "You bury nine people in a period of less than two weeks," she said, "and yeah, I think it affects you. February 20, 2003. The Derderians bought the club as an investment. And he's like he don't know. "It feels like somebody knew somebody who was in that fire or knew somebody who did, so the pain is very personal.". Since I had been there earlier in the night, I knew that there was at least an exit in the back barroom. Greatly. So, I actually got a really good sense of the layout of the venue. Great White lead singer Russell and manager Biechele asserted they had the Derderians permission. The tragedy, she said, heightened her appreciation of the life she was allowed, for whatever reason, to continue. His camera caught excited, beer drinking, smiling heavy-metal fans. 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? But I should have at least tried.". 444 The Station Nightclub Fire Premium High Res Photos Firefighters remove a body covered in a white sheet from the smoldering rubble of a deadly fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I. Friday, Feb. 21, 2003. "It's hard to describe the level of agony. Club owners open up for the first time after deadly fire kills 100. An off-duty police officer standing outside had heard her kicking at the window. Scan this QR code to download the app now. In the midst of the Cold War, 14 Nike anti-aircraft missile batteries were constructed in New Jersey to protect the metropolitan areas around Philadelphia and New York City.
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