Deal Near In Suit Over State Fair Stage Collapse

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A lawsuit filed by victims of the 2011 Indiana State Fair stage collapse is close to a settlement, with all but one defendant on board an agreement.

Mediator John Van Winkle reported to Marion Superior Court Judge Theodore Sosin last week that all of the plaintiffs and all but one of the defendants have reached agreements to settle or agreements in principle to settle following talks in May. Van Winkle didn't identify the holdout defendant.

Van Winkle mediated talks between the state, three co-defendants and at least 11 plaintiffs who opted out of an $11 million state payout.

Seven people died and more than 40 people were injured when high winds toppled rigging and the stage roof onto fans awaiting a concert by the country duo Sugarland.