Station Fire Settlement Money Going to Victims At Last

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Hundreds of people affected by one of the nation's deadliest nightclub fires will soon receive money from lawsuits over the blaze.

A federal judge on Tuesday signed an order requiring roughly $176 million in settlement funds to be deposited into a trust account within 90 days.

The money will then be distributed to survivors of The Station nightclub and relatives of the 100 people killed.

The Feb. 20, 2003, fire at the West Warwick club began when pyrotechnics used by the rock band Great White set ablaze soundproofing foam around the stage. Besides the 100 killed, more
than 200 others were injured.

Several dozen people and companies, including foam manufacturers and the town of West Warwick, agreed to settle.

Victims' lawyers are receiving roughly one-third of the settlement money.
      
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