Portal:Rhode Island/Selected article/8

The Station nightclub fire began at 11:07 PM EST on February 20, 2003 at The Station, a glam metal- and rock n roll-themed nightclub located in West Warwick, Rhode Island, United States. It is considered to be the fourth-deadliest nightclub fire in United States history, killing 100 people, four of whom died at local hospitals. Pyrotechnic sparks were set off by the tour manager of the evening's headlining band Great White, which ignited flammable sound insulation foam in the walls and ceilings around the stage and created a flash fire that engulfed the club in 5 1/2 minutes. In addition to those who died, 230 people were injured and 132 escaped uninjured. Video footage of the fire depicts the rapidity of its initial growth and the ensuing pandemonium, as the front entrance is blocked by stampeding patrons frantically attempting to exit the building. Several bystanders tried desperately to help people escape the building by whatever means possible.