200 gather in Rhode Island to mark 10th anniversary of nightclub fire that killed 100

200 gather in Rhode Island to mark 10th anniversary of nightclub fire that killed 100

Associated Press

WEST WARWICK, R.I.

The 100 people killed in a 2003 Rhode Island nightclub fire have been remembered in a memorial service as beloved family members and friends during a ceremony at the site of the fire ahead of Wednesday’s 10th anniversary.

The blaze happened when pyrotechnics for the rock band Great White ignited flammable foam installed inside the club as soundproofing.

Among the victims was Ty Longley of Brookfield in Trumbull County, a guitarist for the band.

Around 200 people braved bitterly cold winds Sunday to attend the outdoor service, which included music, comments by victims’ relatives and a reading of names.

Former Gov. Don Carcieri called it the state’s worst tragedy but its people’s finest hour because of the way they pulled together to help each other.

Plans for a permanent memorial were released, including a wind harp to serve as a reminder that music is what brought people together that night.