Tragedy in Rhode Island

[Innkeeper]

Our hearts and prayers go out to those who died in the tragedy last night. Was very concerned about WD, but saw she had some late night posts. Hopefully, she is fine.



[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 02-23-2003).]

[winedope1]

thanks for the concern, IK ! I am fine- never go out during the week as my day in surgery starts at 7 am. We are all in shock here- the death toll continues to go up. It was a small community club and has been around for years. We appreciate all thoughts and prayers, especially for those not yet knowing the fate of their loved ones ( a number of people are not yet accounted for) and for those who have lost loved ones.

[winoweenie]

Hopefully this will make club-owners and their performers wake up. My son has done a fire-act with his drums for years but confines it to his drum-heads, sticks, and a stream he shoots(lighter fluid) from the back of the band-stand out of his mouth.So far the worst thing to happen is the guitar player getting a lite singe job on his pompadour. The amazing thing is this whole scene was captured by the camera. We've put all of the families on CBs' prayer list. WW

[Innkeeper]

It turns out that the same band played in a club up here in Bangor, ME on Tuesday night, two nights before the fire in RI. There is an ongoing investigation here too. No permit for the use of pyrotechnics was issued, and one was required. The club owner states that the band did not notify him that pyrotechnics would be used. He is susceptible to a $10,000 fine. The club here did have a sprinkler system installed and the structure was cinder block, including interior walls. Witnesses here state that the "tiki like torches" used in RI were the same ones used here.

Investigations here and elsewhere the band has played could have a big impact on the ongoing invetigation in RI.

[Georgie]

What a needless waste of lives. Do the pyrotechnics add that much to a show that they are worth the risk? IMO they should be banned completely. I'm sure that some performers are safety-conscious, but fire tricks at a crowded indoor venue? Why take the chance?