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, a fire department spokesperson said.
The crash occurred at about 6:08 p.m. at Sixth and Harrison streets when a line of cars, including a Waymo, were waiting at a light and were hit from behind by a speeding vehicle. The suspect vehicle was said to be traveling at around 98 mph. Police found at least six damaged vehicles. Several victims were hospitalized with injuries; others were released at the scene, a police spokesperson 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 San Francisco Police Department is working with the California Highway Patrol to determine if the incident is connected to multiple 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 crash area are expected to last until morning.