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November 29, 2006

Station evidence: Employee knew of band's pyro plan

Documents released today confirm for the first time that at least one employee of The Station nightclub knew of the band's plan to use pyrotechnics as part of the Great White show.

A part-time nightclub employee, David Stone, told authorities that prior to the show he met with the band's floor manager whom he knew as Dan (later confirmed to be Daniel Biechele).

"During this meeting Dan told David Stone that he would be using pyrotechnics which he described as 'gerbs,'" reads an affadavit signed by West Warwick Police Det. Sgt. Keith C. Azverde. "'Dan' stated that he then wanted the stage to go dark when the gerbs would light briefly. He was told that after the gerbs went out he should use his discretion in what sort of light show he wanted to do."

"Mr. Stone stated that he followed the instructions of Dan and the gerbs ignited as stated. He said that they were large and lasted longer than he expected. He stated they ignited the acoustic foam and that he pulled the fire alarm and exited the building through the kitchen exit."

The club owners, Michael and Jeffrey Derderian, have consistently denied knowledge of the band's plan to use pyrotechnics the night of the February 2003 fire that killed 100 people and injured another 200.

Posted by Steve Peoples  at 4:00 PM | Permalink

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jim | November 29, 2006 6:54 PM link

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