One Year Ago Tonight

[Jim Casey]

As we know, just before 11:00pm on February 20, 2003, Great White took the stage to a packed house at The Station" Nightclub in West Warwick, RI. Just barely a minute into their set, sparks from the bands pyrotechnics setup shoot up onto the walls.

With a video camera from a local TV station rolling, we watch as the fire overtakes the building in a matter of seconds. People begin to panic and trample over one another.

The smoke becomes so thick and toxic that many die near the doorways. Those that survived have horrific burns that lead to devastating scars. They also wonder why their friend, or sibling died when they did not.

As the toll rises throughout the day, we are left to ponder who is actually responsible for the tragedy.

We are simply stunned when the death toll reaches 50, then 65, over 80 and finally at 99 by the end of the day. One more persone dies a few weeks later making the death toll an even 100.

One year later, Have we learned anything since this disaster?

[John Allo]

We learned that pyro does not work in a small club.

We learned to know where the exits are.

We learned that crappy and cheap soundproofing is also likely to be dangerous.

We learned there are reasons fire codes and inspections exist.

[DJMC]

wow---that was a YEAR ago? OMG.......