An 88-year-old Monroeville man who was driving to the hospital to visit his wife was killed after his vehicle was struck by a volunteer firefighter who police say was responding to an emergency call at nearly twice the posted speed limit.
Broderick Balanti, a Monroeville volunteer firefighter, is facing charges including homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter and reckless driving in connection with the October 2025 crash that claimed the life of Leroy Hart.
The crash happened shortly after 6:20 p.m. on Oct. 21, 2025, at the intersection of Haymaker Road and McGinley Road in Monroeville, east of Pittsburgh.
Investigators said Balanti was driving a blue Chevrolet Malibu north on Haymaker Road while Hart was traveling south in a gray Nissan Quest. Hart was attempting to turn left onto McGinley Road when the two vehicles collided.
Vehicle data later examined by investigators showed Balanti was traveling 71 mph just one second before the impact. The posted speed limit on that section of Haymaker Road is 35 mph.
Police also determined that Balanti was responding to a fire call in his personal vehicle. He was not using lights or sirens while traveling to the call.
Both drivers were taken to hospitals following the crash. Balanti suffered serious injuries, while Hart remained hospitalized with injuries from the collision.
Hart died on Nov. 1, 2025. Authorities determined that his death was caused by blunt-force trauma from the motor vehicle crash.
For Hart’s family, the circumstances surrounding his final trip have made the loss especially painful. He had been heading to the hospital to see his wife, Monica, who had been recovering after an accident of her own.
The couple had been married for 56 years.
Monica later recalled that Hart’s condition initially appeared more stable, but his health deteriorated during his hospitalization. In his final hours, she was able to tell him she loved him, and he squeezed her hand.
The case remained under investigation for months before charges were filed. Investigators used witness accounts and information from Balanti’s vehicle to reconstruct what happened in the moments before the crash.
Balanti turned himself in after charges were filed in October 2026. Court officials said he was released on a $50,000 unsecured bond.
The charges stem from the fatal crash and remain allegations unless proven in court. Balanti is scheduled for further court proceedings as the case moves forward.
The crash has also raised questions about the circumstances under which volunteer firefighters respond to emergency calls in their personal vehicles, particularly when emergency warning equipment is not being used.
