• E-mail
• Print
• RSS

Lapse of statewide emergency response plans blamed in nightclub fire

Emergency Management Alert, July 19, 2004

A report found significant problems with communications between agencies and managing resources in Rhode Island's emergency response to a nightclub fire that killed 100 people, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

The report, released last week, says first responders did a good job rescuing and treating the injured people at the nightclub, however, the lack of a statewide disaster plan hindered the response.

Ninety-six people died at the scene and another four died in hospitals after a fire broke out in The Station nightclub on February 20, 2003. More than 200 people were injured.

The report's author, Grant Peterson, vice president of Titan Corp., said the fire response proved the competency and dedication of first responders, but "could not overcome years of neglect in funding, systems, facilities, equipment, planning, and training."

In particular, the report heavily criticized the state's Emergency Management Agency (EMA).

The "emergency management system failed to function effectively," the report said, calling recovery plans out of date. As a result, the state needs to strengthen the EMA and scheduled a summit for September 30.

Among some of the many problems reported were trouble communicating with hospitals, since phone lines weren't answered or were busy.

• E-mail to a Colleague
• Print
• RSS
• Archive