Investigators analyzing soundproof materials in nightclub fire

WEST WARWICK, R.I. -- Investigators of the Rhode Island nightclub disaster tried to determine Monday whether the soundproofing material that burst into flames was an illegal, highly flammable brand. As they worked, hundreds of people turned out to mourn the 97 people who died in the inferno.

Gov. Don Carcieri said authorities were still awaiting a lab analysis of the soundproofing tiles used at the Station club. State law bars flammable acoustic material like polyurethane foam from the walls of gathering spaces like bars.

The state has started a criminal investigation into the fire, which also injured 180 people.

The fire began Thursday night during the first song of the night by the band Great White. Pyrotechnics apparently set fire to soundproofing behind and above the stage, sending flames ripping through the club in a matter of minutes.

The band has said it had permission to use the special effects, a claim disputed by the club's owners.

'It's a common mistake'

Soundproofing experts who have seen video of the disaster say they believe the material used at the Station was polyurethane foam, a commonly used, inexpensive alternative to fire-resistant panels many experts prefer.

"It's a common mistake many people make, not evaluating their materials," said P.J. Nash, a national soundproofing distributor in San Diego. "Polyurethane foam is extremely flammable, and if you breathe that smoke, it's going to knock you out in a minute."

A polyurethane panel typically costs about $150 while a melamine panel, which experts say withstands heat and is tested for fire resistance, sells for nearly $250.

The club passed a fire inspection Dec. 31, but it wasn't clear if the soundproofing material was checked or would normally be during a routine inspection.

Fire chief Charles Hall declined comment on the investigation.

In Warwick, 15 miles southwest of Providence, hundreds of mourners sang hymns and prayed at a memorial service for the dead.

One pastor asked the grieving families to hold up pictures of their lost relatives so mourners can "know for a moment those you loved."

"It's true that some good may come from this disaster, but the event itself is only tragic and will never make sense," the Rev. John E. Holt said at St. Gregory the Great Church.

"We simply say to you that our hearts, our souls and our prayers and our love are with you," added the church's pastor, the Rev. Alfred Ricci.

Another memorial was planned later Monday in nearby West Warwick, where the Station was located.

The governor said 13 more victims have been identified, bringing the total to 55. About 80 survivors remain hospitalized, and about half of them were listed in critical condition.

The governor has declared a moratorium on pyrotechnic displays at venues that hold fewer than 300 people. Deputy fire marshals began sweeping through Rhode Island clubs Monday, looking for any fire hazards.

Authorities have also begun interviewing employees at nightclubs in other states where employees say Great White used pyrotechnics without prior notice.

Club co-owner Jeffrey Derderian told his old employer, WHDH-TV, he was devastated by what happened.

"We have our own internal investigation going, we want answers too," he said Monday in his first public interview. "The No. 1. concern right now is with the families that have been affected by this."

Earlier Monday, state Attorney General Patrick Lynch said Derderian has not answered questions since the fire. He said the other co-owner, Michael Derderian, has never answered questions.

Kathleen Hagerty, an attorney for the Derderians, said Monday the brothers have provided information to police and "have arranged" to share information with the attorney general.