Family of Man Killed by Washington, D.C. Fire Truck Awarded $13.5M

Feb. 26, 2024
In 2018, the fire engine sped through a red light and struck the man's car head-on, testimony revealed.

The family of a man killed in a crash with a speeding D.C. fire truck has been awarded $13.5 million. 

Jurors came to the decision after determining 'gross negligence' in the March 9, 2018 crash.

DeAngelo Green was killed when the driver of a D.C. fire engine headed to an emergency ran a red light and struck his car head-on, WTOP reported adding that two others including a pregnant woman walking on the sidewalk were injured.

Testimony and evidence at a trial last year showed the engine driver violated D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services' policies which require drivers of emergency vehicles to slow down or stop before going through a red light.

The fire truck was traveling nearly 55 mph in a 30 mph.

The attorney for Green's family said the award sends a loud message to the fire department. 

“They cannot have their trucks driving recklessly down the street, running red lights,” William Lightfoot, the family's attorney, said.