PHOENIX (AP) - A Phoenix Fire Department engine involved in a fatal accident was speeding just before the collision, a new report said.
The Phoenix Police Department report said the fire engine was going 69 mph (111 kph) in an area where the posted speed limit was 40 mph (64 kph), KTVK-TV reported Wednesday.
Department policy allows firetrucks to go 10 mph (16 kph) over the posted speed limit while responding to a call with lights and sirens.
Phoenix Fire Engine 18 was responding to a report of a structure fire April 7 when a pickup truck made a left turn in front of the firetruck, the report said.
The firetruck’s speed decreased to 60 mph (97 kph) at the moment of impact, the report said.
The crash killed 20-year-old Kenneth Collins, 19-year-old Dariana Serrano and their 4-month-old son. Three firefighters were injured.
Collins did not have a valid driver’s license and “his driving privileges had been suspended.” The medical examiner detected the presence of marijuana in his system, the report said.
Relatives have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Phoenix. A notice of claim alleged the fire department was negligent and requested a $25 million settlement.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.