I got a hysterical phone call from my sister at 12:30 AM this morning. She was extremely worried that I was there. I turned on the news and they were covering this:

At least 39 dead in raging W. Warwick club fire

At least 39 people were killed after a Cowesett Avenue nightclub burst into flames during a pyrotechnics display during a rock concert last night, as mobs of patrons frantically rushed to escape the raging fire.

More than 100 were injured and were being treated this morning at several area hospitals.

The blaze broke out at about 11 p.m. during the first song of a concert by the Los-Angeles based Great White band.

A fireworks display that was part of the show apparently ignited Styrofoam in the ceiling, and flames quickly engulfed the club.

"The place went up within a matter of two minutes," witness John Kudryk said.

The club was last inspected two months ago as part of its liquor-license renewal process, according to Hall (The West Warwick Fire Chief - ed.). He said some violations were discovered during the inspection, but they were rectified.

Jack Russell, the lead singer of the Los-Angeles based Great White band, said the club had given permission to use pyrotechnics.

"It went up like a Christmas tree," Russell said. "I was trying to put it out with a bottle of water. I turned around and the building was engulfed. My sound man is injured. I'm on my way to the hospital. I'm missing my guitar player."

The fire broke out during the first song of the set. The guitar player for Great White is missing (Ty Longley) and a prominent late-night DJ for the local radio station that hosted the event, "The Doctor" is also missing. My prayers that they are alright and will be found soon.

The thing is, I've seen THAT band in THAT club. They are one of my favorite live bands ever and if I had known they were playing, I probably would have gone. The club has enough fire exits and was a pretty safe place as far as I'm concerned.

My heart goes out to the families of the dead and missing. I pray for the victims and their families. I've never been so happy to NOT know that a favorite band was playing.

UPDATE [2/21/03; 10:21 A.M.]: The death toll has climbed to 95 and more are expected. Keep checking my site for updates. As I see them, I'll post them there.

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