Tragedy
2003-02-21

It was one of those places that just never seemed to make a go of it. Maybe it was the location, next to the used car lot, or maybe it was that the food just never seemed to spark a reaction one way or another. Just one of those places fated to eternally change hands and become somebody elses dream.

After the restaurants, they tried night clubs. They had more sucess there and on the third try one finally stuck. The Station... They made thier living of old 80's hair bands and did pretty well at it. Every time I went by the place seemed busy. The fact that they lasted ten years had to say something right? There was a bar and a pool room and way too little space for way too many people. The kind of venue that old rock groups thrive in.

Last nights show was Great White. I've heard of them but honestly couldn't tell you one song that they did. Some people must of though because there were 300+ people there on a Thursday night to see a show that didn't start until 11:00.

The show started with a bang, literally. The pyro-technics on the stage front overpowered the low cielings. Someone from a local TV station got it on video. Sparks from the blast set the foam sound insulation behind the stage on fire and within a minute the whole place was engulfed in flames and thick black smoke. People were trampled, burned, died of asphixiation. When it was over The Station was gone along with the lives of 26 people, with a couple of dozen in intensive care and who knows how many missing.

Rhode Island is a small place. Everybody knows everybody. It is kind of weird, but also nice. I know that there will be people from there I know. My ex used to hang there. I hope she is OK. Way too many people aren't. Area hospitals are maxed out. Almost 200 burn, smoke and crush victims will do that too you. The little Town of West Warwick is in shock and mourning. It is the largest death toll in a fire in Rhode Island history. Not a record you look forward to setting.

Today is supposed to be a happy day for me. Vacation... it all seems very unimportant right now. May they rest in peace. Sigh....

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