Brazil blaze recalls pain for RI fire survivors

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- The nightclub fire tragedy in Brazil has claimed the lives of more than 230 people. Investigators say many of the victims died from smoke inhalation, while others were trampled in a rush to get out.

The tragedy is eerily similar to the 2003 Station Nightclub fire in West Warwick as the Brazil fire is also blamed on a band’s pyrotechnics, which ignited sound-proofing foam.

• Related: Hundreds killed in Brazil Club Fire
• Photos: Deadly nightclub fire in Brazil
• Photos: 2003 Station Nightclub Fire

Survivors say they can’t believe it happened again. Many are asking what it is going to take to prevent similar tragedies in the future as a devastating scene unfolded at a nightclub in Brazil.

Gina Russo was transported back in time, to a night in 2003 when a pyrotechnics display at a Great White show ignited a fire that burned the Station Nightclub down to the ground.

"I can't help but watch because I’m one of them. It’s just devastating that someone else has to experience it. This is the third time there has been a fire in a night club since our fire and this was more devastating than ours,” said Gina.

Gina was able to escape the Station Nightclub fire but suffered serious burns. She lost her fiancé Fred that night.

Every since, Gina has been on a mission to improve nightclub safety and fire safety.

"I feel like I’ve done so much and I’ve spoken so many places. I try to educate the world on why our fire happened and let’s learn from it and let’s make sure it never happens again… and it did,” she said.

Dave Kane shares the same fears. His youngest son Nicky was the youngest victim of the Station Nightclub fire.

"You can heal from it, It just takes time and patience and to know you're not alone. There are plenty of us,” Gina added.

Russo also said one of her priorities is to make sure pyrotechnics are no longer allowed at concert venues.