WEST WARWICK, R.I. (AP) – Rhode Island is marking the 17th anniversary of a nightclub fire that killed 100 people and injured more than 200 others.
The Feb. 20, 2003, blaze began when pyrotechnics for the rock band Great White ignited flammable foam that lined the club’s walls as soundproofing.
The fire quickly spread through the overcrowded club, and many people became trapped and died, or were severely burned.
The site of the fire opened as a memorial park in May 2017.
The father of the youngest victim told WPRI-TV the memorial should act as a reminder for officials to ensure people’s safety.
