Victims of the nightclub fire which ravaged a Great White concert are set to receive payments from a $176 million (£110 million) settlement fund.
U.S. District Court Judge Ronald R. Lagueux approved settlements on Thursday (07Jan10) for more than 300 people who were affected by the 2003 disaster at Rhode Island venue The Station - the fourth deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history.
According to The Providence Journal newspaper, 65 defendants have agreed to offer money to the 306 plaintiffs instead of proceeding with a trial.
The judge approved a report detailing the victims' injuries - with the highest settlements going to those with the worst burns.
Probate judges will now review pay-outs proposed for the families of the 100 people who died in the fire.
Lagueux told the court, "I think this is a red-letter day for the Station fire case... We're on our way. This is a matter that will live 'til death do us part."
In 2008, rockers Great White agreed to pay $1 million (£625,000) to the families of those who perished in the blaze.