Judge Orders Settlements in D.C. Metrorail Crash Unsealed

A federal judge has ordered the unsealing of settlement agreements involving a deadly Metrorail crash.

U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton says the 2009 Red Line crash, which killed nine people, represents “a matter of significant public concern” and that the public should have access to court records.

The Washington Post, which reported on Walton’s decision, sought access to the settlement agreements and other documents.

The crash killed the train operator and eight passengers and is the deadliest in Metro’s history.

The transit agency settled lawsuits by families of the crash victims, but had refused to reveal the dollar amounts and fought to keep the settlement agreements under seal.

Certain details, such as private medical information, are subject to redaction. A Metro spokesman says the transit agency is reviewing the decision.