GM Ignition Switch Fund Approves Two More Death Claims

The fund General Motors Co. set up to compensate victims of its defective ignition switches has now approved 38 death claims.

The fund has ruled 39 fatality applications ineligible and is reviewing 42 others. GM's initially attributed 13 deaths to the switches. The devices can be jolted out of the "run" position, thus turning off the engine and cutting power to the steering, braking and airbag systems.

Since the fund began on Aug. 1, it has received nearly 2,300 applications. It reports that about 500 claims are "deficient" and says nearly 1,000 arrived with no documentation.