10 years ago today, on February 20,2003, the 80's rock band Great White was performing in front of approximately 400 people in a packed club in West Warwick, Rhode Island. The band manager set off pyrotechnics when the group took the stage. The sparks hit the flammable sound proof foam panels, and quickly ingnited. Within 90 seconds, the Station Nightclub was engulfed in flames. 100 people lost their lives, making it the deadlest concert, and fourth deadliest fire in American history.
In reflection of the Station Nightclub Fire, please donate to victims of the fire and their families here
Appearantly, the lead singer of Great White was actally conducting an interview away from the fire, when people were burning to death, talking about his upcoming tour. After it was obvious that nobody was alive, and the fire was about 100 feet tall, he asked a firefighter if everyone made it out ok.
A bouncer actually blocked the band exit, when people desperately tried to escape, then bragged about it for weeks later. This was all in a book called "Killer Show."
The firefighters discovered him 15 minutes after most people were dead. He was in the middle of the pile of people stuck in the door. Air pockets, and the bodies around him protected him throughout most of the fire. Still, he was badly injured.
Joe Kinan is a remarkable person, and has made fire awareness and prevention his life. You can donate to help Joe with his medical bills, by clicking his webpage link.
Wow that was really horrifying to watch. I'm just stunned to see just how fast that whole place went up. I remember when this happened and how they said it went up in seconds, but it sure brings it home to see it. Awful thing. Those poor people.
__________________ RED 'TILL I'M DEAD BABY!
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I remember the Crazy Horse Nightclub, and going back further 3 Cheers, and always thinking to myself, if a fire ever broke out in those places, it would have been a catastrophic death toll, the way those places both only had 1 narrow staircase in and out.
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I've never seen that footage before and I can honestly say I had tears coming down as I finished watching it. That is absolutely horrifying. Pray for those souls. I couldn't think of anything worse than burning to death or to know your friends or loved ones are in there. Truly awful.
I probably shouldn't have watched that the day before I'll be seeing a show in a nightclub. The screams were absolutely sickening, and I can't even imagine how much those people suffered.
10 Years Ago Today
Wow, that made my heart sink.
