One person and a dog were killed Sunday in a multiple-vehicle crash in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood that may be linked to earlier hit-and-run collisions on Interstate 280, police said. Seven people were injured, according to a spokesman for the San Francisco Fire Department.
The crash occurred at about 6:08 p.m. at Sixth and Harrison streets, when a line of cars, including a Waymo robotaxi, were waiting at a light and were hit from behind by a vehicle that was said to be traveling at around 98 mph. Police found at least six damaged vehicles. Several people were hospitalized with injuries; others were released at the scene, a spokesperson for the San Francisco Police Department said.
Officers detained a suspect who was being treated at a hospital. Investigators are examining whether drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash.
The SFPD is working with the California Highway Patrol to determine if the incident is connected to hit-and-run collisions reported moments earlier on northbound I-280.
Authorities haven’t released the identities of the victims or the suspect.
“An unoccupied Waymo vehicle operating autonomously was in a line of stand-still traffic when it was struck from behind by a vehicle that was impacted by another vehicle traveling at an extreme rate of speed,” a Waymo spokesperson said in an email. “The trust and safety of our community remain our top priority, and we are coordinating with local safety officials.”
Mayor Daniel Lurie released a statement on the crash and death at 8:48 p.m.
“I have been briefed on the multi-vehicle incident that occurred downtown this evening. 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,” Lurie said. “Public safety has been my top priority from Day One, and traffic safety is public safety.”
Road closures in the area were expected.
Joe Burn can be reached at jburn@sfstandard.com
