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  RI Fire Update: Lawsuit Filed, Band Testifies Before Grand Jury.


03-5-03 antiGUY
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The families of two of the victims have filed the first civil lawsuit related to the deadly club fire in Rhode Island.  

Reuters reports, �The lawsuit was filed in Providence Superior Court in Rhode Island on
behalf of the families of Donald Roderiques and Tina Ayer. Their lawyer, Brian Cunha, said he expected to file more suits on behalf of four other families later this week. He said he would ask the jury for at least $1 million per victim.�

14 defendants were named in the complaint including members of the band Great White, their tour manager, owners of the nightclub, American Foam Corp (who sold the flammable foam to the nightclub), the town of West Warwick and the town�s fire inspector. 

The wrongful death suit alleges negligence, products liability, breach of warranties and violations of state law.

The Associated Press reports that the plaintiffs� attorney is planning on amending the suit to include the families of other victims later this week. 

Meanwhile, members of Great White began testifying yesterday (March 4th) before the grand jury that is investigating the tragedy for possible criminal charges. There are reports that guitarist Mark Kendall and bass player David Filice have already given testimony to the grand jury. 

Because of rapid development of news related to the Rhode Island tragedy we have set up a news hub for related stories. .