Thousands of people who suffered health problems after working in the ruins of the World Trade Centre after the September 11 attacks in 2001 have reached a settlement for compensation.

Over 650 million dollars could be paid out to members of the emergency services and workers who cleared up the ruins. The payment will come from an insurer representing the City of New York.

More than 10,000 people submitted the claim against the City of New York and its contractors, saying they suffered health problems such as asthma. They say they had to work at Ground Zero before they had been provided with the necessary protective equipment. The deal will be finalised if it gets the approval of 95 percent of the claimants.