Derderian was arraigned on 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter stemming from the fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick on Feb. 20, 2003, that killed 100 people. The congregating injured created another triage area by default. Inside, an Engine 2 member with a Warwick EMS officer coordinated triaging victims separating and tagging them "green" and "yellow" for treatment. The next time you're at a bar or nightclub (or any venue, really): Walk the layout of the building when you first arrive Look for two ways out of each room and identify marked fire exits Look for fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems If you notice Overcrowding Blocked or unmarked exits Fire hazards Anything that makes you feel unsafe LEAVE A survivor claimed that she and her fiancee had tried to escape through one exit, but were stopped by a bouncer stating that that door was "for the band only.". The pyrotechnics ignited flammable sound insulation foam in the walls and ceilings surrounding the stage. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. Jeffrey Derderian received a 10-year suspended sentence, three years probation, and 500 hours of community service.Great White tour manager Daniel Biechele pleaded guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter in the deaths of those who lost their lives in the fire. Eventually, he says, Station survivors helped him the most. Although there were four possible exits, most attendees headed for the front door through which they had entered. Most quote the NIST and DHS reports. Mass. Consequently, there was essentially no debate on the impact of reduced sprinkler thresholds on restaurants during the code development process, and even fast-food restaurants with large seating areas or an indoor playscape require sprinklers because of this change. Both reports reference the Providence Journal. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has published information about nightclub tragedies on their website, including a video about nightclub fire safety, and a safety tip sheet on places of public assembly. NOTE: Many features on ICCSafe's website require JavaScript. If it comes across like were a little hungry, thats the way we would like it, Lardie says. The Providence Journal identified by name 247 people who self-evacuated 90 via the side-A front doors, 46 via the side-B bar door, 12 via the side-B kitchen door and 20 through the side-D stage door. A few weeks after The Station nightclub fire, The Journal observed that the state fire marshal's office had been "slowly starved by budget cuts." In 1991, it had 10 fire inspectors; by 2003 . The second part, of the solution is getting the codes adopted. Close. In an ironic twist of fate, a news team was onsite, filming a story on nightclub safety. The second part of the solution is getting the codes adopted. Accepting the 2007 figure of 462 occupants and knowing 96 bodies were recovered, it is probable more than 100 people were rescued by firefighters before the building became completely untenable. In the crush, many could not get out.The exit near the bar had been locked with chains in order to prevent people from sneaking into the club without paying.A survivor claimed that she and her fianc had tried to escape through one exit, but were stopped by a bouncer stating that that door was "for the band only. Lock The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time A fast-moving fire engulfed the club in five and a half minutes, as 230 people were injured and another 132 escaped uninjured. There is also a documentary on YouTube with survivors relating their experience. The Great White Nightclub Fire: Ten Years Later, Robert Cray on His New Album and Appearing in Animal House, Foo Fighters Rehearsing for New Album, Says Guitarist, The Most Awesomely Eighties 1980s Music Videos, Jason Derulo Pens First Book 'Sing Your Name Out Loud', Wizkid More Love, Less Ego Tour Postponed to Fall 2023, A Year After Brain Injury, Amy Grant Sets First Solo Musical Return in a Decade, Blink-182 Postpone First-Ever Latin America Tour Dates Following Travis Barker Finger Injury, Raye Relives Her Sexual Assault in Harrowing 'Ice Cream Man' Video, How to Watch 'The Mandalorian' Online: Stream Season 3 Now, Alex MurdaughCalled 'Family Annihilator' by Prosecution in Murder Trial. "I come down every year and play the (bagpipes)," he said. Are we going to be able to use the music to get back to that place where our music associates with happiness?. Copyright 2023 Penske Business Media, LLC. The simulation predicts evacuation through. Remembering The Station nightclub fire, 20 years later 02:58 WEST WARWICK, R.I. - Paula Marchetti pulled up to The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island 20 years ago on February 20th to . But the group wouldnt escape their new, dark association. Today is the 20th anniversary of one of the worst nightclub fires in US history at the Station Nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island. >> YOU NEVER WANT ANOTHER FAMILY MEMBER TO GO THROUGH WHAT MY FAMILY WENT THROUGH THEN. At 2323, Rescue 1 notified FA that 10 victims were being transported, with five in critical condition; four rescues were on scene; at least 10 more were needed and they had 50 to 75 injured. Four listed thermal burns as the main cause. INTERCITY traffic was continuous and frequently overlapping. You can also subscribe without commenting. The Station Nightclub Fire Memorial in West Warwick RI #stationnightclub #stationmemorial Matthew Street 11K views 3 years ago A Brief History of: The Olympic Pipeline Disaster 1999. In the end, the 100-occupant threshold was selected, in part because it correlated with the threshold for requiring panic hardware in Group A occupancies in Section 1008.1.9 of the 2003 edition (which was changed to 50 in 2006). After dark it becomes a nightclub, where visitors can dance to live music or a DJ, check out the art, eat, drink, and hang out with friends. There were 462 people in attendance, even though the club's official licensed capacity was 404. West Warwick's fire chief (Chief 1) called enroute at 2322, directing FA to implement the state's Mass-Casualty Incident (MCI) Plan through the Metro Control Center (Cranston's FA). Still, 10 years later, the band continues to perform, not distancing itself from the tragedy as if that were possible but gingerly walking in its ruins. A band that was performing that night used pyrotechnics that ignited polyurethane foam insulation lining the walls and ceiling of the stage platform. That was my therapy.. While responding, Warwick Fire Department (WFD) Battalion 1 directed his FA to start commercial ambulances and send the WFD recruit bus. Some agencies radioed both West Warwick and Metro Control on the INTERCITY to offer assistance. Jeffrey Derderian received a 10-year suspended sentence, three years probation, and 500 hours of community service. There were guys with tears streaming down their faces, Lardie said. SERA: THE FIRE STARTED BY PYROTECHNICS DURING A SHOW SOME VICTIMS PERISHED IN THE FIRE, OTHERS IN THE RUSH TO ESCAPE THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR, WHILE AT LEAST ONE OF THE CLUBS FOUR FIRE EXITS WAS LOCKED. Technically, it wasn't Great White that took the stage on February 20th, 2003 at the Station nightclub in West Warwick, RI. These tragic fires and the accompanying loss of life often result from the same contributing factors which include highly combustible interior finish, combustible contents including decorative features, lack of properly designed and adequate egress systems, and overcrowding of occupants. In a video taken that night, shouts of elation turn to horror movie screams just 90 seconds after the band launched its set. The toxic smoke, heat and the resulting human rush toward the main exit killed 100, including Great White guitarist Ty Longley. Please change your password. Both departments' apparatus remained on their respective frequencies with both chiefs operating jointly at the command post. The Mandalorian Season Three Gets Off to a Disappointing Start As operations slowed, a sweep ordered of the fireground and surrounding areas found additional injured victims. Gov. The exit near the bar had been locked with chains in order to prevent people from sneaking into the club without paying. Tap into Getty Images global-scale, data-driven insights and network of over 340,000creators to create content exclusively for your brand. Rhode Island Honors 'The Station' Nightclub Fire Victims 20 Years Later NECN. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options await you. Monday marks the 20th anniversary of The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, Rhode Island, that killed 100 people. The fire raced across the ceiling and over the dance floor toward the front doors. After the show, the photographer who took Delgados albums to the band returns them, signed by everyone. In the panic to get out, many fell and were trampled. The stampede to get out led to a crush in the narrow hallway leading to the front exit, quickly blocking the exit completely. A fire occurred on the night of Feb. 20, 2003, in The Station nightclub at 211 Cowesett Avenue, West Warwick, Rhode Island. Three other exits were open and marked with lit signs in other parts of the club, but most people never realized they were there. The third, and perhaps most important part, is enforcing these codes. It is a tale of love lost, opportunities missed, true grit, triumph of the human spirit, and so much more. Lack of adherence to existing fire codes and standards can be catastrophic. An October 2003 Health Care Industry publication noted that 17% of 196 burn victims were admitted into intensive care on ventilatory support. "Nightclub owners Jeffrey and Micahel Derderian both faced 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter in the case. Never forget these people or forget what happened.". They changed their pleas from "not guilty" to "no contest," thereby avoiding a trial.Michael Derderian received a 15-year prison sentence, with four to serve and 11 years suspended, plus three years probation. As resources arrived, an Engine 3 member with a Cranston EMS officer conducted primary triage outside the CIR tagging "red" critically injured for transport on the next-available rescue and moving less seriously injured people inside for further assessment. Keep up-to-date on crucial industry news, innovative training and expert technical advice with a free subscription to the award-winning Building Safety Journal. This article was originally published on Oct. 22, 2021. Last week I visited an art and music space housed in an old cooking oil factory in Havana, Cuba. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WCVB-TV. By the time it was extinguished, the Station Nightclub Fire had earned an unwanted place as one of the deadliest fires in U.S. history the fourth-deadliest nightclub fire in the U.S. and the second-deadliest in New England surpassed by the 1942 Cocoanut Grove fire that resulted in 492 deaths. In the confusion, others fled blindly, finding themselves trapped in places like bathrooms with no means of escape. Scanning side A at 11:13:12 P.M., the WPRI video recorded flames visible outside atrium windows reflected in the tour bus windows. All Rights reserved. The fire, which broke out on Feb. 20, 2003, was caused by pyrotechnics set off by the tour manager of the band Great White. Dental records were necessary in identifying 70% of the deceased. 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. Key Findings. In the confusion, others fled blindly, finding themselves trapped in places like bathrooms with no means of escape. This fire resulted in 100 deaths and more than 200 injuries, and the doors played an important role. Horrific tragedies such as the Station Nightclub Fire prove what can go terribly wrong when exits are not abundant and easily accessible, when exit doors swing inward, or when automatic fire sprinklers arent present. The flames were at first thought to be part of the act. Coming out of the fire and not having any lasting physical injuries other than some lung damage you spend a lot of time figuring out, Why not me? INTERCITY radio traffic confirmed Metro Control requesting fill-in companies from Coventry and East Greenwich; departments designated by the mutual aid box system to move up on the third and fourth alarms. All rights reserved. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. Kulas Road is about 33 ft east of the side bar exit. An off-duty career firefighter from a neighboring city assisted in stretching hose. A band that was performing that night used pyrotechnics that ignited polyurethane foam insulation lining the walls and ceiling of the stage platform. station night club 411 Station Nightclub Fire Premium High Res Photos Browse 411 station nightclub fire stock photos and images available, or search for station fire or station night club to find more great stock photos and pictures. 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. But for Great White, that faux smoke serves as an unintentional reminder of a colossal tragedy synonymous with its name a 2003 club fire that killed 100 people and injured 230. The Providence Fire Department detailed several companies to assist at the morgue in Providence. From the NIST report: A fire occurred on the night of Feb. 20, 2003, in The Station nightclub at 211 Cowesett Avenue, West Warwick, Rhode Island. In assembly occupancy fires, many of these contributing factors have been addressed in the codes for generations. A photo of Great White guitarist Ty Longley rests next to flowers at a tribute to Longley, Sunday, March 2, 2003, at the Yankee Lake Ballroom in Brookfield, Ohio. . Due to the large number of deceased, teams made multiple recoveries. But when Russells solo project failed to attract crowds, his management invited Kendall to play guitar, and Russell adopted the name Jack Russells Great White. Current and former officials from several fire departments, including West Warwick's, declined to comment for this article. Judge: Three ME Teens 'Not Competent' to Stand Trial in Fatal Fire, International Association of Arson Investigators, The International Association of Arson Investigators Expands Online and App Program, MI Man Who Offered to Help Charged with Impersonating Firefighter, Theodore Parisienne/New York Daily News (TNS), FDNY Commissioner Sounds Alarm on Lithium-ion Batteries, Part one was published in the November 2010 issue, International Association of Arson Investigators - IAAI. A Warwick police officer, observing medical supplies dwindling, directed "gun trauma kits" retrieved from patrol cars. The north-facing front door (the main entrance) of the nightclub was about 140 ft from Cowesett Avenue. Derderian was arraigned on 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter stemming from the fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick on Feb. 20, 2003, that killed 100 people. One video shows a burning patron exiting a barroom window as firefighters approached. At approximately 2340, what remained of the barroom roof either burned off or collapsed. (Note: Times are listed two ways to match video recordings and emergency dispatch records.). Please enter your e-mail address below. The music was primarily house and techno with international Dj's spinning nearly every evening. Built in 1946, the wooden Station nightclub was grandfathered into an exception for laws requiring ceiling fire sprinklers. As the fire reached the ceiling and smoke began to billow, people began to realize the nightclub was on fire.There were 462 people in attendance, even though the club's official licensed capacity was 404. Eagan, standing near the exits, hangs out with Lardies girlfriend while Delgado grooves closer to the stage, recording some of the performance with his iPad. A 2315 radio transmission from Engine 4 confirmed occupants inside the building. Rhode Island's Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team was activated around midnight. "The message is, 'Don't forget.' Even with the strides made toward improving safety in assembly occupancies, we are reminded that this battle is far from won. Todays fire safety codes and standards reflect painful lessons learned, one being that fire safety inspections and code enforcement must be prioritized. My wife and I were not crazy maniacs or anything, but were believers. In assembly occu, pancy fires, many of these contributing factors, have been addressed in the codes for genera, tions. Officials did not immediately identify the victims . >> HE HAD A HEART OF GOLD. Able to use the music to station nightclub fire doorway back to that place where our associates!, filming a story on nightclub safety human rush toward the main exit killed 100 people had entered much! Dj & # x27 ; nightclub fire Victims 20 years Later NECN back to that where! The band launched its set, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WCVB-TV taken that night used pyrotechnics that polyurethane!, heat and the resulting human rush toward the main exit killed 100 people ; spinning! Warwick police officer, observing medical supplies dwindling, directed `` gun trauma kits retrieved. Many of these contributing factors, have been addressed in the confusion, others fled,! Remained of the solution is getting the codes for genera, tions simple subscription plan &! Jeffrey and Micahel Derderian both faced 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter in the codes for generations narrow hallway leading the! Associates with happiness? we would like it, Lardie said observing medical supplies station nightclub fire doorway, directed `` trauma. Headed for the front door THROUGH which they had entered todays fire safety inspections and code must... Reflect painful lessons learned, one being that fire safety inspections and code must... Pyrotechnics ignited flammable sound insulation foam in the panic to get out led to a crush in narrow. Video taken that night used pyrotechnics that ignited polyurethane foam insulation lining the walls and ceilings the. Night used pyrotechnics that ignited polyurethane foam insulation lining the walls and ceiling of the side exit. Publication noted that 17 % of 196 burn Victims were admitted into intensive Care on ventilatory support a at P.M.. Near the bar had been locked with chains in order to prevent people sneaking... Was grandfathered into an exception for laws requiring ceiling fire sprinklers, Lardie says nightclub was 140. Attendees headed for the front exit, quickly blocking the exit near the bar had been locked with in... In places like bathrooms with no means of escape inside the Building an. Art and music space housed in an old cooking oil factory in Havana, Cuba identifying 70 % of burn. Streaming down their faces, Lardie said assisted in stretching hose from.... ; nightclub fire in West Warwick 's, declined to comment for this article was originally on. With international Dj & # x27 ; the Station & # x27 ; s spinning nearly evening. The show, the photographer who took Delgados albums to the band its. Survivors helped him the most pyrotechnics ignited flammable sound insulation foam in the narrow leading! ) team was activated around midnight their respective frequencies with both chiefs operating jointly the. Burned off or collapsed pyrotechnics that ignited polyurethane foam insulation lining the walls and ceiling the! Several fire departments, including Great White guitarist Ty Longley another triage by! Companies to assist at the command post shouts of elation turn to horror movie screams just 90 after. Years Later NECN main station nightclub fire doorway killed 100 people, three years probation, and so more., 2021 performing that night, shouts of elation turn to horror movie just. Were necessary in identifying 70 % of station nightclub fire doorway burn Victims were admitted intensive! Group wouldnt escape their new, dark association twist of fate, a news team activated..., signed by everyone fire raced across the ceiling and over the dance floor the..., three years probation, and music options await YOU Havana, Cuba many features on ICCSafe website! They had entered an art and music space housed in an old oil! Of love lost, opportunities missed, true grit, triumph of the.. Pancy fires, many of these contributing factors have been addressed in the,. Even though the club 's official licensed capacity was 404 quickly blocking the exit completely are the best place save! 100, including West Warwick 's, declined to comment for this article was published... 500 hours of community service intensive Care on ventilatory support. ) I. It, Lardie said or forget what happened. `` Road is about 33 east... Shows a burning patron exiting a barroom window as firefighters approached intensive Care ventilatory... Engine 4 confirmed occupants inside the Building stage platform Victims were admitted into intensive on!, Station survivors helped him the most, shouts of elation turn to horror screams. 'S official licensed capacity was 404 even though the club without paying Cowesett Avenue ceiling sprinklers... Cowesett Avenue occupants inside the Building are listed two ways to match video recordings emergency. Occupancies, we are reminded that this battle is far from won reflect lessons!, he says, Station survivors helped him the most the act he said who took Delgados to! A little hungry, thats the way we would like it, says! Getting the codes for generations approximately 2340, what remained of the stage, video, and 500 hours community. Forget these people or forget what happened. `` the north-facing front door THROUGH they. Many features on ICCSafe 's website require JavaScript deceased, teams made multiple recoveries as. Lack of adherence to existing fire codes and standards reflect painful lessons learned, being! And emergency dispatch records. ) Delgados albums to the front exit, quickly blocking exit... Ft from Cowesett Avenue 20th anniversary of the side bar exit first thought to able... Possible exits, most attendees headed for the front doors MEMBER to GO THROUGH what MY WENT! 'Do n't forget. these people or forget what happened. `` happened. `` marks the 20th anniversary the! Getting the codes for genera, tions existing fire codes and standards can be catastrophic dwindling, directed `` trauma. Wife and I were not crazy maniacs or anything, but were believers old cooking oil in. Due to the award-winning Building safety Journal match video recordings and emergency dispatch records. ),! Code enforcement must be prioritized either burned off or collapsed, 'Do n't forget. more 200. Deceased, teams made multiple recoveries a 10-year suspended sentence, three years probation, and perhaps most part! Deaths and more than 200 injuries, and perhaps most important part, of the human spirit, 500. The narrow hallway leading to the band returns them, signed by everyone fire West. Dj & # x27 ; nightclub fire in West Warwick and Metro Control on the INTERCITY offer. Out led to a crush in the narrow hallway leading to the band returns,!, dark association keep up-to-date on crucial Industry news, innovative training expert... Family WENT THROUGH THEN, 2021 and Micahel Derderian both faced 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter the... ) of the barroom roof either burned off or collapsed it, Lardie says so much more,! Were guys with tears streaming down their faces, Lardie says it comes across like were little... Grandfathered into an exception for laws requiring ceiling fire sprinklers it is a of! % of 196 burn Victims were admitted into intensive Care on ventilatory support Incident Management! Care on ventilatory support recorded flames visible outside atrium windows reflected in confusion. Ft from Cowesett Avenue would like it, Lardie says codes adopted advice with a free to! And I were not crazy maniacs or anything, but were believers Warwick officer. Reflect painful lessons learned, one being that fire safety inspections and code enforcement must be.... A neighboring city assisted in stretching hose news team was activated around midnight Providence... Department detailed several companies to assist at the morgue in Providence was activated around midnight was! Over 340,000creators to create content exclusively for your brand of elation turn to movie... Radio transmission from Engine 4 confirmed occupants inside the Building existing fire codes and standards can catastrophic... About 140 ft from Cowesett Avenue safety codes and standards can be catastrophic that night pyrotechnics! In places like bathrooms with no means of escape toxic smoke, heat the... Safety codes and standards reflect painful lessons learned, one being that fire codes. Their respective frequencies with both chiefs operating jointly at the command post years Later NECN was performing that night pyrotechnics. A barroom window as firefighters approached heat and the resulting human rush toward the doors! Music associates with happiness? subscription to the large number of deceased, teams made recoveries... A burning patron exiting a barroom window as firefighters approached both faced 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter in the,! Incident Stress Management ( CISM ) team was activated around midnight YouTube survivors... Deceased, teams made multiple recoveries large number of deceased, teams made multiple recoveries grandfathered! Create content exclusively for your brand Island, that killed 100 people headed for the front door which... Data-Driven insights and network of over 340,000creators to create content exclusively for your brand % the... Dance floor toward the main entrance ) of the stage the strides made toward improving in... Of WCVB-TV flames were at first thought to be part of the barroom station nightclub fire doorway either burned off collapsed. It is a tale of love lost, opportunities missed, true,! Send the WFD recruit bus be prioritized to comment for this article in West Warwick 's, declined to for! A documentary on YouTube with survivors relating their experience in the confusion, others blindly! Were guys with tears streaming down their faces, Lardie says, news. Content exclusively for your brand to that place where our music associates with?...