So, before I knew it, this finger was contractured down in this position and the rest of them were all bent backwards because the skin had tightened up.". The 1980s rock Great White and its lead singer Jack Russell (playing as Jack Russell's Great White) for putting together the show as part of a tour of roadhouses seeking to rekindle past glory. When it was announced that the 1980s rock act Great White would be headlining an evening of retro rock music at The Station, fans turned out in force. Phil Barr: Yep. But then the door would go back up when it was going to be a loud night. At 15,000 square feet, Pulsations itself featured 10 levels, 11 bars, and 12 VIP hotel rooms. The night of November 28, 1942, promised all the glamour and glitz that made Boston's most famous night spot, The Cocoanut Grove, legendary. The company paid a hefty settlement and they weren't the only ones. Linda Saran: They have said they were sorry. I refused to accept that as the outcome. "Bar Rescue"/Spike. Linda Saran: The night of the fire I got in for free. PATRICK LYNCH [news interview]: Certainly, there are people we are looking at, ultimately, we may target. Monday marks the 20th anniversary of The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, Rhode Island, that killed 100 people. The fire was sparked by a welding accident on the basement, with most floors of the Dongdu building being dedicated to blue-collar activities, and the nightclub itself being located only on the fourth floor. 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. Tracy King worked at The Station as a bouncer. Michael and Jeff Derderian pleaded no contest to 100 counts of misdemeanor manslaughter and agreed to a deal. And that's when it starts to hit you all that you've lost. Am I going to sit here and cry about this? Medical teams met the challenge; everyone who got out survived that night: Whatever their memories, the medical professionals who helped the victims of the Station nightclub fire 10 years ago have one thing in common: they will never forget. The Derderians say that in the three years they owned the club, no one ever questioned the safety of the foam. Some bouncers are ill-equipped to handle crowds in a lawful manner. And then the main exit that hallway where everyone came through," explains Scott James. In the 1980s, Mr. Altemose developed entertainment venues including Pulsations, a dinner theater and nightclub in Concord, and the Riverside Speakeasy, in Graterford. They threatened his family. Converted warehouse used as an art collective and venue. Jeff Derderian: I don't know. But many, including the brothers, feel strongly Laroque should also have been charged. Scott James: It smelled like spilled beer and stale cigarettes and everything was just a little bit frayed at the edge. In 2003, 100 people died and over 200 were injured at a rock concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island. The Station nightclub fire killed 100 people and injured more than 200. Station nightclub fire scene, viewed from above. The Station nightclub fire, fire on February 20, 2003, that destroyed The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, U.S., and killed 100 people. Orlando shooting of 2016, also called Pulse nightclub shooting, mass shooting that took place at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in the early morning hours of June 12, 2016, and left 49 people dead and more than 50 wounded. 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. How is it our responsibility if they gave us the wrong foam?". Fifth-deadliest fire in post-war Japanese history, Fourth-deadliest club fire in American history, Firefighter killed in fire; initially thought to have been started by a truck, quickly ruled as arson, Worst fire in Russia since the fall of the Soviet Union. This page was last edited on 24 February 2023, at 21:26. The West Warwick, Rhode Island club The Station was purchased by brothers Michael A. and Jeffrey A. Derderian in 2000 and three years later became a scene of tragedy that would haunt Rhode Island forever. 10. Right. Scott James: And the nightclub operator there was so angry when he saw what had happened in Rhode Island, he went public, and he even made public the contract that he had with Great White that showed there was no evidence of fireworks that were going to be part of the show. 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. The day after the fire, before a medical examiner confirmed that his brother was among the dead, King was on the phone with the Derderian brothers and wept with them. Published Feb 25, 2016. But when Warner was called before the grand jury, he was not asked about the allegations he made in the fax. Linda Saran: It's like a riptide. Gina Russo says she emerged from the flames in a better place: But 10 years after the fire killed her fianc, after 54 operations and skin grafts to heal her burned body and treat recurring complications; after periods of sadness, anger and frustration over who was lost, who wasnt prosecuted, who never apologized, Russo says she is grateful. We make them every day, and we hope it doesnt cost a life.. Jim Axelrod: When you come to, you're in a hospital room. The girl who won received the contract with the doctor and had to give us before-and-after brassieres. "We have 39 confirmed fatalities, and we are still in the process of searching the rubble. He don't know. "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. Jon Taffer saves bars that are on the verge of shutting down on his reality show Bar Rescue.So far, he has rescued 188 bars across the United States. We all make mistakes. We have an exit through the kitchen. It fuels you. And then, ever so slowly, he learned to walk again. It didn't have a lock on it. The Foam.". That specific. Marc Goldbaum is the development producer. Band road manager Daniel Biechele, for triggering the pyrotechnics that sparked the fire. Phil Barr: You know just have a beer, see a concert. And a quarter of those people didn't get to go home ever," says survivor Linda Saran, who was severely burned in the fire at The Station nightclub. Twenty years have passed since the fire at the Station Nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island where 100 people died in and . some bleeding I could notice in my throat. The Station was owned by brothers Michael and Jeff Derderian. They all later accepted plea deals. 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]. And he says you can. Fused by pain, Station fire survivors, loved ones mark 18th anniversary: Theyre all here. JACK RUSSELL [news interview]: We never do anything without asking permission first. The fire started at the West Warwick club when a manager for the band Great White set off pyrotechnics for the band's show. The Foam.". Tracy died never giving up. / CBS News. Since I had been there earlier in the night, I knew that there was at least an exit in the back barroom. 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. An off-duty police officer standing outside had heard her kicking at the window. Jim Axelrod: And that's when the despair sinks in. Taffer also discussed his time at Pulsations last week, telling the New York Times about the "religious experience" that was Pulsar, as well as the club's "Thanks for the Mammaries" promotion: Before you were on TV, you were a bar owner in Philadelphia. He says he managed to escape through the front door before a stampede of people got stuck in the narrow hallway and blocked the exit. It would fly over the crowd on an I-beam track and come down over the dance floor. Pinterest. [tearing up] "What a great brother you have. But it's fun. it was happening so fast, fast, fast, fast. None of the images depict the people . WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) Monday marks the 20th anniversary of The Station nightclub fire that killed 100 people and injured more than 200 others. It was like what? Firefighter and RI state Rep. talks trauma, The Derderians are on a 'white-wash tour' in 2021 about The Station fire, says father who lost son, The former salesman for the company where the Derderians bought the deadly insulating foam says the fire destroyed his life. Share Feedback. Michael Derderian: Zero. Super Highly Visible corner location, rare undeveloped find . They were told to take it down. They were friends. And that's when I noticed the black on my arms. Survivor Phil Barr arrived to The Station early the night of the concert. That is the furthest exit away from the stage But it's a relatively straight line. And then we've got the pressure from the judge saying you know, you're going to go to jail for 30 years apiece. Saran was one of the more than 200 who were seriously hurt in the fire. Ousted Chicago mayor blames loss on racism, gender but not her tepid response to crime, Hoda Kotb's lengthy 'Today' show absence finally explained, King Charles to evict Harry and Meghan from Frogmore Cottage so he can give it to disgraced Andrew, How Kate Middletons meaningful brooch connects her to Queen Elizabeth II, Chrissy Teigen, John Legend film newborn babys first kiss sandwich, Larsa Pippen felt betrayed by Kardashians before apology: resurfaced clip, Heroic bus driver saves student from passing car, Sunny Hostin Points Finger at China for COVID Crisis: Did Not Cooperate With the International Community, Hoda Kotb's lengthy 'Today' show absence caused by 'family health matter'. The original version of the following expose into the rock'n'roll lifestyle as seen in action during a post-concert meet'n'greet by The Fixx appeared in my college newspaper, Temple News, in the autumn of 1987, just after the events in question occurred.Then I added a bit of grown-up perspective to make it the 27th entry on my blog on Sept . In a 9-1-1 call made shortly after the shooting began, Mateen swore allegiance to the leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi . 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. In many communities, the crucial task of inspecting buildings in search of potentially life-threatening fire hazards falls to just one person. Patrick Lynch: The type of foam was equal to gallons of gasoline. Jim Axelrod: Over the course of the investigation, what did you learn about the way the brothers ran their business? Michael Derderian also spoke via phone to an investigator. You should be proud." I had no control over my muscles. 81. She asks does anyone remember Pulsations Nightclub? Patrick Lynch: I can't remember, honestly. Feb 20, 2023. . Michael Derderian: Remember, I'm still in Florida. Salman is expected back in court Wednesday. The night of the fire Jeff Derderian gave a statement to the local police and another one to an investigator with the Attorney General's Office. 25 seconds: The flames start spreading to the ceiling. Michael owned a financial services business; Jeff was a local news reporter. it became very, very hard to breathe. Before being built out into a nightclub, the building that housed Pulsations was formerly home to a family-style steakhouse, as well as an upscale supper club. . That's how thick the smoke was. The sparks ignited foam soundproofing that lined the club's walls. It was the closest to a religious experience that I've seen without it being religious. Linda will forever wear the scars of that horrible night. One near the bar. Officially attributed to a short circuit, Worst club fire and second worst fire disaster in Brazil, third deadliest club fire in history, Greatest number wounded by a man-made accident in Taiwan in 50 years. Almost immediately the finger pointing started. But, you know, they have this following to this day . I went over, put my hands against the glass, and I started kicking at that window and it wouldn't break. But there is more to be done. Worst fire disaster in Berlin since World War II; death toll reported between 80-88, but considered to be 81. and I just kind of went down on my face. 60 Minutes did a huge story on him. Exterior shots of the nightclub also show several gaping holes where authorities used explosives to blast open a wall near the bathroom to save survivors who had been trapped for hours. Station nightclub fire survivor tells burn victims love can happen amid scars, fears: Joe Kinan has had more than 120 surgeries, not the least of which was a hand transplant. Jody King: I'm so proud to say he's my brother. Barr, who was in his junior year, had dreams of a career on Wall Street and swam competitively for his college swim team. Afterward, her uncle Al Salman defended her, saying she had no idea what that crazy was doing., Shes innocent (and a) simple person, he insisted. PATRICK LYNCH [press conference]: We have an investigation on going and we need help, we need answers and I'm trying to get them. Its name was Pulsar and it was skinned to be an alien. And they're quick to point out the club was inspected by their insurance company, and multiple times by the local Fire Marshal Denis Laroque. It was completely preventable. Linda Saran and her friend Deb were in the atrium, huddled together under a table. Michael Derderian: And I'm saying to him "Did everybody get out Did anyone die?" Either way, though, Taffer remembers the establishment as having been "the greatest nightclub in the world." A staggering 100 lives were lost. Jim Axelrod: Describe The Station nightclub for me. Former Pulsations Nightclub Parking Lot - 240 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills, PA. At the scene, Jody King was desperate for information about his brother, and began to fear the worst. The blaze began when members of a band performing at the . One of them is never say die, never give up. Not exactly. JACK RUSSELL [news interview]: Rock and Roll is supposed to be fun, not deadly you know. Should PTSD qualify for injured-on-duty status? As a result, the pyrotechnics ignited the sound-proofing polyurethane lining the walls and ceiling of the club. Jeff called his brother Michael who was in Florida. Jody King: He went on David Letterman twice to do Stupid Human Tricks. Philadelphia's Delaware County's greatest nightclub, Pulsations. . Produced by Betsy Shuller and Chris Young Ritzen. Eighteen years later, there was no consensus among survivors when it comes to blame. Barr was now outside, but he felt like his lungs were on fire. Patrick Lynch: Jeffrey and Michael Derderian. It was one of the deadliest nightclub fires in the nation's history, and an event that has had lasting consequences for hundreds of families. So, it was very quickly they were in the circle of people we should look at. Members of the band start to become aware of the fire. Linda Saran was a regular at The Station. But not by Jody King. All Rights Reserved. once you could no longer see, it was total pandemonium. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Dance & Night Club. Melinda was eight months pregnant at the time. Jody King: He trusted the club. Jim Axelrod: Were you a fan of the band Great White? Fifteen years after that deadly night, the rubble cleared away, The Station Fire Memorial Park opened as a place for victims, family and friends to come and remember. 19 seconds: The crowd begins to react as the flames progress upward. 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. Two years after the fire at The Station nightclub, the Derderians learned about a piece of evidence they say is important that was never presented to the grand jury: an eight-page fax sent to the Attorney General's Office anonymously just months after the fire entitled "The Fire. You know people didn't react instantly. Making a profit was more important than safety (see the Cocoanut Grove Fire, 1942; The Triangle Shirtwaist . Michael Derderian: We do understand that anger and that's that's why we're here with you. MICHAEL DERDERIAN: I plead not guilty, your honor. I remember getting pushed from behind. Tables can be seen strewn with half-consumed drinks and food that was abandoned when Omar Mateen suddenly opened fire. Anniversaries, he says, renew the ties and allow him to reflect and recount his version of events that fateful February 20th night. At the time of The Station fire, older clubs in Rhode Island weren't required to install sprinklers. However, I had seen my friends go out since we were all thirteen, so I assumed this one nightclub let younger people in. Jim Axelrod: Does this mean you feel a sense of responsibility? And 18 years after the fire, the brothers say they want to set the record straight and reveal new information. [tears up, shaking his head]. The fire broke out at around 1 a.m. at the Mountain B nightclub, a one-story building in the Sattahip district of Chonburi province, southeast of Bangkok and about 30 kilometers (18 miles) south . 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. And, according to the brothers, it was one of the first exits used when the fire started. these contracts are pretty specific. The brothers decided that because Jeff had young kids, Michael would go. I have to find him. She knew he was going to conduct the attack, federal prosecutor Roger Handberg said. But that night, leading the cameraman around was bouncer Tracy King, a dedicated husband and father of three young boys. 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. The Station was owned by brothers Jeff and Michael Derderian. 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