GM Raises Ignition Switch Death Toll to 23

The General Motors Co. program to compensate victims of its defective ignition switches has now approved claims covering 23 deaths attributed to the flaw.

GM initially identified 13 deaths linked to the 2.6 million switched it belatedly recalled in February. The fatality list grew to 19 in early September and 21 last week.

The compensation program, which is headed by specialist Kenneth Feinberg, has received 867 claims, including 153 for deaths. The applications blame deaths and major injuries on crashes caused when the ignition switch cut off power to the engine, power steering, power brakes and airbag systems.

The program has so far decided 39 claims are eligible for payment and 40 are not. The program will continue to accept applications through the end of the year.