Brian Posted December 10, 2003 Share Posted December 10, 2003 In case you missed this morning's news... WARWICK, R.I. - The owners of the nightclub where 100 people were killed in a fire last February were indicted on involuntary manslaughter charges Tuesday along with the tour manager for the heavy metal band whose pyrotechnics sparked the blaze. Club owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian and Great White tour manager Dan Biechele were each charged with 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter ó two for each death. Lynch said Biechele was charged under both standards because he lit the stage fireworks. In the case of the owners, the "gross negligence" applies to how they maintained the club over several years. The other charges cover their installation and maintenance of the club's flammable soundproofing foam that caused the blaze to spread. Involuntary manslaughter carries up to 30 years in prison. The fire started after the pyrotechnics were shot off just seconds into Great White's first song, quickly igniting the foam that had been placed around the stage as soundproofing. Thick smoke quickly spread through the club and within minutes, the one-story, wooden building was engulfed in flames, trapping clubgoers as they rushed toward the same exit. While the band maintained it received permission to set off the fireworks, the club owners insisted permission was never given. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ike Posted December 10, 2003 Share Posted December 10, 2003 Maybe people will be now be less fussy about having there props, scenery etc flame tested. Apparently it was untreated, untested packing foam used as a cheep alternative to proper sound proofing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lightnix Posted December 11, 2003 Share Posted December 11, 2003 Maybe people will be now be less fussy about having there props, scenery etc flame tested. Apparently it was untreated, untested packing foam used as a cheep alternative to proper sound proofing.Let's hope so. Shame they aren't already less fussy on the grounds of simple safety :D Maybe the incoming UK Corporate Manslaughter laws will add be added incentive. So... it looks as though that even if they get off on the fireworks, it will be less easy to answer for the state of the building. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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