Jun. 10, 2009 (United Press International) -- A federal appeals court ruled that plaintiffs in a lawsuit over the deadly crash of a Utah State University van have a right to know how the tires were made.

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. made the tires on the van. The van rolled after a left rear tire exploded in 2005.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs argued a faulty tire was to blame and asked for information on the manufacture of similar tires, The Salt Lake Tribune reported. Cooper, based in Ohio, argued the discovery request was too broad.

Eight agriculture students and an instructor died, and two students survived with injuries. They were returning to campus after visiting a farm.

Chrysler, the maker of the van, settled with the plaintiffs last year.

"They ruled on all four corners in our favor," Brad Bearnson, a Utah lawyer who represents the survivors and families, said of Tuesday's ruling. "It's been a long time in coming, but we should get the information we're entitled to."