Linda Saran still places much of it on the Derderian brothers. You were not approaching that area at all. And I'm like, "OK.". Prime Development Corner. Over four seasons of hosting Spike TV's "Bar Rescue . Jeff Derderian: We feel a sense of guilt about what happened in the sense that you carry the guilt of knowing that these people aren't here anymore, and these people are hurt for the rest of their life. Station fire, 15 years later: Survivors tell their stories: While many say they will never get over it, they have found a way to get along with it. The Derderians bought the club as an investment. The Station fire changed how we view fire safety. It is the fourth-deadliest nightclub . Jody King kneels at his brother Tracy's memorial. 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 was liquid fire. The roof was caving in, walls were caving in, body after body in front of me. Am I going to sit here and cry about this? People traveled from near and far to visit this unique club. It would fly over the crowd on an I-beam track and come down over the dance floor. The morning after the fire, the lead singer of Great White, Jack Russell, claimed the brothers had given the band permission to set off the fireworks. Cold air washing over me. But has prevention actually improved? She appeared on Tuesday in federal court in Oakland, Calif., where a federal prosecutor said she was aware that her husband was going to carry out the club rampage and did nothing to stop it. An off-duty police officer standing outside had heard her kicking at the window. 81. We're running out of time." The fire at the Mountain B nightclub, about 111 miles southeast of the capital Bangkok, started at about 1:00 a.m. local time, Wuttipong Somjai, a superintendent at a local police station, told . More on the fire:The Station fire: 100 victims in photos. The Station was owned by brothers Jeff and Michael Derderian. The blaze began when the band Jack Russell's Great White took the stage and their tour manager set off four large fireworks. It was really everything to me at that time. A fire at a nightclub in Cameroon's capital, Yaound, in the early hours of Sunday left at least 16 people dead and eight others seriously injured, according to news agencies . And that's when the crowd realizes this is a real danger and we have to get out of here. One near the bar. They all later accepted plea deals. One of the worst mass shootings in US history claimed 49 lives at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. A story about you in Vice magazine mentions a time at one of your bars when a robot descended from the ceiling and danced with female customers. MICHAEL DERDERIAN: I plead not guilty, your honor. 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. 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. 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. But he didn't know what. It's not just about hitting the next goal but doing something really meaningful. 1947. some bleeding I could notice in my throat. Either way, though, Taffer remembers the establishment as having been "the greatest nightclub in the world." Michael Derderian: He's completely out of it. Jody King: He was gregarious. They said a critical piece of evidence was never presented to the grand jury. When others turned away from the Derderians, King remained. Station fire memorial nearing completion: Organizers say they have raised more than $1.9 million of the $2 million needed to build it and maintain it in perpetuity. undisputable. At 15,000 square feet, Pulsations itself featured 10 levels, 11 bars, and 12 VIP hotel rooms. then as it heals, the scarring tightens up. 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. Biechele and Michael Derderian were sentenced to four years in prison, though each was let out early. RealYakub 4 days ago. Lynch also points out that the exits were a safety issue. Jeff Derderian: I remember we were trying to get people away from the building. The Derderians say that in the three years they owned the club, no one ever questioned the safety of the 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. Show Transcript. So, I actually got a really good sense of the layout of the venue.". and I tripped over what I assume was a bar stool. It ended when the suspect failed to attack a 2nd venue and committed suicide in his van. WEST WARWICK, R.I. . Negligent nightclub bar security can be the cause of the Death of a Nightclub. He trusted in his friends. That's what the code says. Barr was now outside, but he felt like his lungs were on fire. The answer is no. Fire safety work goes on: Advocates gather at Station memorial to mark tax law easing cost of sprinklers. Jeff Derderian: None of the inspections and then follow-up inspections. Patrick Lynch: They are running the operation. As a result, the pyrotechnics ignited the sound-proofing polyurethane lining the walls and ceiling of the club. 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. The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, hosted a band, which used unapproved pyrotechnics during the performance. Like you feel that kinship that, you know, "God, I really hope this guy makes it." 19 seconds: The crowd begins to react as the flames progress upward. He decorated his office with renderings of the suites and even . Phil Barr: and I felt the door and I just heaved my shoulder into it. Station Fire Memorial Foundation rejects donation from Great White singer: Out of the ashes of the Station fire, tougher building codes arose. I couldn't play an instrument. 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. The fire started at the West Warwick club when a manager for the band Great White set off pyrotechnics for the band's show . And, according to the brothers, it was one of the first exits used when the fire started. These days, though, Taffer has moved on to Bar Rescue, which will air 100th episode on March 6. The building was demolished in 1997. Lawsuits claim it wrecked their teeth. They didn't even let him talk about it. It was THE spot in the Delaware Valley in the '80s, and tonight "The Goldbergs" recreate the legendary nightclub for Barry's bachelor party. In an exclusive interview with "48 Hours" contributor Jim Axelrod, the Derderians said they wanted to set the record straight and reveal new information about that foam and accountability. Michael Derderian: Zero. 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. Jim Axelrod: There are so many people still to this day angry that the case didn't go to trial. Michael owned a financial services business; Jeff was a local news reporter. Some bars close for failing to control violent crime on the premises. She and Matt knew they were expecting a girl and they had already chosen her name. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. 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. Patrick Lynch: Looking back on it I would say they ran it as a side business, an attempt to maybe make some extra money with the callous, utter disregard for those that work there and assemble there. Tracy King died saving many others the night of the fire. It didn't have a lock on it. Almost immediately the finger pointing started. These are videos of prior performances taken inside the club. Linda Saran: Second- and-third-degree burns, over 34 percent of my body from the heat. Flames soon appeared on the walls on either side of the stage and spread quickly along the foam that lined the walls and ceiling, intended to dampen sound. Jim Axelrod: Does this mean you feel a sense of responsibility? They go for 15 seconds and they go 15 feet into the air. You see on your left the horseshoe-shaped bar. I was working at the facility before it opened. I had no control over my muscles. PATRICK LYNCH [news interview]: Certainly, there are people we are looking at, ultimately, we may target. Produced by Betsy Shuller and Chris Young Ritzen. Michael Derderian: I don't know about that. Within minutes the building was engulfed in flame and toxic smoke as the highly flammable polyurethane foam glued to the nightclubs walls as soundproofing ignited. A staggering 100 lives were lost. They are speaking out about the fire for the first time. So, to the people who think we don't own it I'm telling you, we DO own it ok? So, I actually got a really good sense of the layout of the venue. Super Highly Visible corner location, rare undeveloped find . Jim Axelrod: Do you feel, "Oh my goodness, we're in trouble?". It is the fourth-deadliest nightclub fire in American . It's like a surge of bodies. In fact, they did the opposite.". 1894 shipwreck found in Lake Huron, confirming "powerful, tragic story", Bipartisan Senate group unveils rail safety bill in response to Ohio derailment, What to know about Shigella bacteria as drug-resistant strain spreads, Top Dems push Fox News to stop promoting "propaganda" about 2020 election, The Station nightclub fire would become one of the deadliest fires in a club in U.S. history. Jeff Derderian: Because in my mind I had nothing to hide. Michael Derderian: But that door became impassable almost within seconds because clearly there's foam that's burning at 800 or 1,500 degrees. Saran was one of the more than 200 who were seriously hurt in the fire. They were friends. Jody King: When he walked into a room, if there wasn't a smile he'd start balancing stuff to get you uplifted and smiling. It featured 11 bars, 10 levels, and 6,000 lights. Brothers Michael and Jeffery Derderian, who owned The Station nightclub, for using highly flammable polyurethane foam as soundproofing on the walls of the club and for letting 462 people into a building, bringing it over capacity. The FBI allowed the photos to be released after Mateens wife, Noor Salman, was arrested for obstruction of justice and aiding and abetting by providing material support to a terrorist organization a day earlier. Since The Station fire, many states have adopted stricter fire prevention codes. Jim Axelrod: Over the course of the investigation, what did you learn about the way the brothers ran their business? Otherwise second-deadliest club fire in history. It wasnt about forgiveness for the death of his brother, because he never blamed them. It was liquid fire," says former Attorney General Patrick Lynch, who investigated the disaster. Share Feedback. I don't care what I'm going to see.". [tears up] And the roof and just everything just fast, too fast. "We went out on a Thursday night to listen to music, drink some beers and have a good time. He lost his fingers and ears as well as the sight in his left eye, along with much of his nose tissue. But many, including the brothers, feel strongly Laroque should also have been charged. Christmas Day is supposed to be happy and pleasant, a time to gather with loved ones for a chill and relaxing celebration. A band that was on the platform that night, during its performance, used pyrotechnics that ignited polyurethane foam insulation lining the walls and ceiling of the platform. "We have 39 confirmed fatalities, and we are still in the process of searching the rubble. I am proud. One near the bar. 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. I'm going to do this. Search Bands Concerts Venues Locations Bucket Lists Users 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. Phil Barr: Being a survivor of The Station nightclub fire is a piece of who I am. Should PTSD qualify for injured-on-duty status? Originated during a fire show by a male dancer on stage, described as holding sparklers. Former Pulsations Nightclub Parking Lot - 240 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills, PA. But not by Jody King. Twenty years have passed since the fire at the Station Nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island where 100 people died in and . The company paid a hefty settlement and they weren't the only ones. Warner lived next to The Station and had met the brothers. Jody King: I'm so proud to say he's my brother. It is now mandatory for nightclubs with occupancy over 150 to have them. Jeff called his brother Michael who was in Florida. They should have blamed more. Jeff Derderian, seated right, says, "You know a day doesn't go by that we don't think about it in some way, shape or form.". The attack killed 11 and injured 9. Its name was Pulsar and it was skinned to be an alien. 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. October 25, 2021. Disco music, then, evolved into rave music. That evening she had a girl's night out with a friend while her young daughter was at a sleepover. It was completely preventable. So, I said to Deb, "stay here. That night, about a thousand revelers gathered to . Lying on the floor not far from the horseshoe bar, Barr lost consciousness. We ran a contest for 10 weeks, and girls competed for a breast augmentation. 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? "We wanted the full story to come out, not just some of it, and for people who want to come to their own conclusion on what happened that night," says Jeff Derderian. It fuels you. Almost twenty years after one of the deadliest building fires in history, the owners of West Warwick, Rhode Island's The Station nightclub are speaking out. The fire caused the deaths of 146 garment . But she refuses to live in the past. Survivor Phil Barr arrived to The Station early the night of the concert. A Brazilian court has sentenced four people to lengthy prison terms over the deaths of 242 club-goers in a fire during a party in 2013. We've received your submission. Published 2:29 PM EDT, Thu June 10, 2021. And I was responsible for the day to day. It requires sprinklers in every nightclub serving more than 150 people. Jim Axelrod: I want to ask you about Phil Barr. Pinterest. It was already in contract. Jody King says his brother enjoyed working for the Derderians. We bronzed the bras and hung them over the urinals in the men's room. Pulsations was THE spot in the Delaware Valley in the '80s, and tonight "The Goldbergs" recreate the legendary nightclub for Barry's bachelor party. Today Phil Barr is married and a father of two little girls. Michael Derderian: Jeffrey was responsible for all the marketing activities. And I fell down the stairs, out that door. In many communities, the crucial task of inspecting buildings in search of potentially life-threatening fire hazards falls to just one person. "48 Hours" has confirmed the fax wasnotpresented to the grand jury. The following day the brothers responded at a press conference: JEFF DERDERIAN: No permission was ever requested by the band or any of its agents to use pyrotechnics at The Station, and no permission was ever given. This is a list of notable nightclub fires at indoor and outdoor venues. This dental device was sold to fix patients' jaws. Like, "get away from the building." On February 20, 2003 at about 11:10 p.m., Jody King got a call that something was going on at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island. The fire was now out of control; it had spread along the foam that lined the walls and ceiling intended to dampen sound. 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. For nearly four decades, Taffer has been at the forefront of the business management industry, offering his expertise to hundreds of thousands of properties and Fortune 500 companies, creating what industry experts called "the greatest nightclub in the world" -- Pulsations Nightclub, and changing the game of football for its fans forever with . Phil Barr: You know just have a beer, see a concert. Jeff Derderian: That door was meant to block the noise from the neighbors. In rural towns and villages, that individual may have another full-time job, or even be an unpaid volunteer. But I made a choice. The blaze began when members of a band performing at the . 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. It took less than 5 minutes for fire to engulf The Station nightclub, packed with . He had an unlikely friend rooting for him. The 2003 nightclub fire in Rhode Island was the fourth deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history. The spaceship was 27 feet in diameter, pulled about 600 amps and had 70 lighting systems on it. Patrick Lynch: I can't remember, honestly. Scott James has written a book about the tragedy called "Trial by Fire.". 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