SelectPlusFoam Co. Reaches Settlement in RI Nightclub FireFoam Co. Reaches Settlement in RI Nightclub FireThe Associated PressA company that sold the foam blamed for fueling a Rhode Island nightclub fire that killed 100 people has agreed to pay $6.3 million to settle lawsuits from survivors and victims' relatives, according to court papers filed Thursday.. (June 27)[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] The company that sold the foam blamed for fueling a nightclub fire in Rhode Island has agreed to pay more than six million dollars to settle lawsuits from both survivors and victims' relatives. The agreement by American Foam Corporation brings the total settlements connected to the fire to more than 150 million dollars. It was February 2003, when this massive fire started at 'The Station' nightclub in Warwick Rhode Island during a performance by the band Great White. Pyrotechnics --set off by the band -- set the foam on fire, and the flames quickly spread. 100 people died in the blaze -- more than 200 were injured.Club owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter charges. Michael Derderian will be free on parole next year from his four-year prison sentence. Jeffrey Derderian received a suspended sentence. They claim they never knew that the foam -- which experts say burns like gasoline -- was flammable. This foam settlement is not final and no money has been paid to the victims. The offer requires the approval of all of the plaintiffs in the case -- as well as the federal judge overseeing the case. ___ ___, The Associated Press
