Victims of Rhode Island Nightclub Fire to Soon Receive Money

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 the entire $176 million settlement to be deposited within 90 days into a trust account. 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 defendants, including foam manufacturers and the town of West Warwick, agreed to settle for a combined $176 million rather than head to trial.

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