The Incident
First-In: Heroic Rescues
Death Toll Rises to 97
At Least 96 Dead in Inferno
Rescuers Struggle with Horror
Fire, Smoke Turns Club Into Hell
Discuss the Warwick Tragedy
The Aftermath
Web Site Comforts RI Patients
RI Gov. Orders Strict Inspections
2 Families Sue in RI Club Blaze
RI Nightclub Claims May Total $1B
RI Nightclub Death Toll Rises to 98
Victims Face Long Recovery
All But 4 Victims ID'd
Thousands Mourn Victims
IDs Could Take Days
Family, Friends Search
9/11 Widow Reflects
Survivors Recall Heroic Acts
The Investigation
Band Member Testifies
RI Reports Don't Mention Foam
Fire Inspector Report Released
Post-9/11 Drills Aid Club Rescue
Federal Team Launches Probe
Grand Jury Begins Probe
Brannigan: Inspectors Ready?
Investigation Ramps Up
Investigators Check Soundproof
Pyrotechnics Examined in Clubs
Disasters Prompt Inspections
Sprinklers Not Required
Nightclub Up to Code Before Fire
Town Withholds Records
RI Begins Inspections
No Warning of Pyro Use
Pyrotechnics Usually Safe
Atty: RI Club Rep. OK'd Pyrotech.
Fire Challenges State Atty. Gen.
IDs Weighed Heavy on Dentists
FEMA Denies Disaster Aid for Fire
Photos & Video
IBS Scene SlideShow
ABC: The Fire Starts
WJAR Video Feedroom
History of Tragedies
Carter: History Strikes Again
Fire, Life Safety Laws in Front
Tragedy Recalls Cocoanut Grove
Worst Club Tragedies
Nightclub Disasters Too Familiar
List: Worst Club Tragedies
Related Sites
West Warwick Fire Department
Warwick Fire Department
FH Network: Rhode Island
Providence Journal Coverage
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- As David Malagrino recovers from severe burns to his hands, head and back, he's getting a little encouragement from a friend in Utah.
The e-mails _ delivered by hospital staff _ have been a bright spot as the 36-year-old Westerly man undergoes skin graft operations and heals from injuries suffered while escaping the Feb. 20 nightclub fire that killed 99 people and injured more than 180.
The more than 20 burn victims at Rhode Island Hospital have been receiving prayers and messages of hope since the hospital added a link to its Web site that allows people to contact victims, their families and caregivers.
The link has generated more than 500 messages so far.
``We didn't advertise it at all and within the first 45 minutes, five people found it, which I think is sort of extraordinary,'' said Susan Ryan, the hospital's editorial services manager. ``We've gotten e-mails from every place in America, really, and a couple of different countries in Europe.''
Malagrino's sister, Dana Gingerella, said the messages have helped her brother.
``The nurses are really good up there, so they've been forwarding them to David,'' she said.
Messages include a note from a single mother who works in a nightclub. She suggested her son could be a pen pal for the child of a single mother who was injured in last month's fire.
``It's very touching, people offering what they can,'' Ryan said.
A message from Georgia wishes a speedy recovery to survivors: ``Please know that each and every one of you is in our thoughts and prayers. While your hearts are heavy over the loss of so many friends and family, please know that we pray for peace for you. May you have the strength to endure this trauma with its intense physical pain and mental anguish.''
A message from Louisiana praises the hospital staff for getting ``the job done in the midst of a nightmare.''
A grand jury is investigating the fire at The Station in West Warwick, which was started by the pyrotechnics of the rock band Great White. Flames roared through the club within minutes.
