Foam companies agree to settlement in RI club fire

Several foam manufacturers have agreed to pay $30 million to settle lawsuits brought by survivors and family members of those who died in a 2003 fire in Rhode Island that killed 100 people and hurt more than 200.

The settlement offers were disclosed in court papers filed today.

More than $101 million has now been offered to victims of the Feb. 20, 2003, fire at the Station nightclub in West Warwick from several companies, including Home Depot Inc. and a maker of fireworks. Plaintiffs have yet to approve the settlements.

Investigators blame flammable, egg-crate-style foam on the walls and ceiling of the club for fueling the fire.

The fire was started when a pyrotechnics display for the rock band Great White ignited foam placed around the stage for soundproofing. (AP)