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Jury Awards $73M To Victims In Rollover Crash

SACRAMENTO (AP) — A Sacramento County jury says Ford Motor Co. must pay $73 million in damages to three plaintiffs after a fatal 2004 rollover crash.

The Sacramento Bee reported Thursday that the family of 41-year-old Tony Mauro, who died, and two plaintiffs who were injured should receive $50 million in punitive damages.

Separately, the jury also awarded them additional amounts for their injuries and loss.

The rollover of an Econoline van on Interstate 5 in Kern County killed two and injured two others. Investigators determined a separated tire tread was the cause.

Evidence at trial showed Ford knew the tire was defective but did not contact dealers or customers. In a statement, Ford called the awards unfair and said the tragedy "could have been prevented with proper seat belt use ..."

(Copyright 2011 The Associated Press)

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