The Brief
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One person has died in a seven-car collision in San Francisco involving eight people
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A dog was also among the dead
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The driver of one of the cars is being detained by San Francisco police
SAN FRANCISCO – At least one person has died after a car crash involving seven vehicles collided in San Francisco Sunday evening.
One of the cars was a Waymo, an autonomous driving vehicle. A spokesperson for Waymo said the car was unoccupied.
According to the Waymo spokesperson, their car was struck by another car while it was in “stand-still traffic.”
“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. The trust and safety of our community remains our top priority, and we are coordinating with local safety officials,” a Waymo spokesperson said.
According to the San Francisco Fire Department, at least eight people were involved in the car crash on Sixth Street between Bryant and Harrison Streets.
San Francisco police added that a dog was among the dead. One of the drivers is being detained by police as they investigate the crash.
Crews were notified around 6:10 p.m. about the crash.
Officials said the surviving victims are being evaluated by paramedics.
“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,” San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie said about the incident. “Public safety has been my top priority from day one, and traffic safety is public safety.”
What we don’t know
The severity of injuries of the other victims are unknown. Officials said it’s unclear if drugs or alcohol played a part in the collision.
Additionally, the California Highway Patrol is investigating a separate incident of four hit-and-runs on northbound Interstate 280 moments earlier to see if they are related.
CHP said that accident involved a black Tesla and that the victims in the hit-and-runs had minor injuries. However, they are still working to see if the crashes are related.
Officials are saying a street closure to last overnight is likely. Drivers are asked to avoid the area.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
The Source
San Francisco Fire Department, San Francisco Police Department, Waymo, CHP
