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WEST WARWICK, R.I. (AP) – When fire broke out at The Station nightclub patrons rushed toward the main entrance, creating a pileup at the door, while other exits were less crowded, according to interviews with survivors.

The Providence Sunday Journal reported that 90 people said they exited the burning building’s main entrance. Another 46 escaped through a barroom door.

Twenty people exited through a stage door while 12 said they got out through a kitchen door.

At least five people, according to survivors, were turned away from the stage door by a bouncer. Two of them died and three were severely injured.

The newspaper reported that 79 people escaped through barroom and greenhouse windows near the main entrance.

The Feb. 20 fire claimed 100 lives and injured nearly 200 others. Some of those stuck in the pile at the main entrance died.

The newspaper previously reported that it confirmed that 432 people were inside the club when the blaze started.

The newspaper’s interviews account for how 247 people escaped the blaze.

A spokesman for Attorney General Patrick Lynch did not immediately return a call on Sunday seeking comment.

A grand jury has indicted three people on involuntary manslaughter charges stemming from the fire. The charges against club owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian and Great White tour manager Dan Biechele were filed on behalf of each of the 100 people who died.

Investigators say Great White’s pyrotechnic display set fire to foam used as soundproofing on the nightclub’s walls.

AP-ES-12-21-03 1045EST


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