San Francisco, CA – Sunday evening took a tragic turn in downtown San Francisco as a massive multi-vehicle collision on Sixth Street left one person and a dog dead, others injured, and several cars badly damaged. The chaos, police believe, may be linked to a hit-and-run incident on Interstate Highway 280 just moments earlier.
Here’s what happened:
A Chain of Collisions
At around 6:09 p.m., a black Tesla was involved in a hit-and-run on northbound I-280, colliding with four other cars. Fortunately, only minor injuries were reported, and no one needed hospitalization, according to the California Highway Patrol. But the story didn’t end there.
Just a minute later, emergency responders were called to another crash on Sixth Street, between Harrison and Bryant streets. This time, it was a devastating scene involving seven vehicles and eight people. Among the cars was a self-driving Waymo vehicle, which suffered damage. Investigators are still piecing together how it factored into the crash.
Lives Lost and Injured
Tragically, one person and their dog were pronounced dead at the scene. Another individual was rushed to a trauma center, while others involved escaped with minor injuries or none at all.
Debris scattered across half a city block, a stark testament to the intensity of the crash. “There was some considerable energy in this collision,” a San Francisco Fire Department spokesperson said.
A Suspect in Custody
San Francisco police have detained a driver who may be connected to the collisions. The individual, currently receiving medical treatment, is under investigation for potential involvement in both incidents. Detectives are also working to determine if alcohol or drugs played a role.
City Leaders Speak Out
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie expressed his condolences, calling the crash a heartbreaking tragedy. “It is a tragedy to lose someone on our streets, and our thoughts are with all those affected and their families. We hope those injured will make a full recovery,” he said in a statement Sunday night.
What’s Next?
As authorities work to untangle the details of these collisions, one thing is clear: this tragedy has shaken the community. For now, the focus remains on supporting the victims and uncovering the truth behind this devastating series of events.
