A hit-and-run collision involving one of San Francisco’s beloved cable cars disrupted evening traffic in the city’s Civic Center neighborhood on Sunday, leaving three people with minor injuries and prompting a police search for the fleeing driver.
The incident occurred around 7:20 p.m. at the busy intersection of California Street and Van Ness Avenue, where a vehicle struck a California Street line cable car before the driver abandoned the scene on foot, according to San Francisco Police Department and Fire Department officials.
Three adults—likely passengers or operators on the cable car—were transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. No life-threatening conditions were reported, and authorities have not released details on the victims’ identities or the extent of damage to the historic vehicle.
Police conducted a search of the area but had not located the suspect as of late Sunday night. The abandoned vehicle remained at the scene, potentially providing clues for investigators. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), which operates the cable cars, has not yet commented on service disruptions or the cable car’s status.
The California Street Line: A Historic Route in a High-Traffic Corridor
The crash took place on the California Street cable car line—one of three remaining routes in the National Historic Landmark system that has defined San Francisco since 1873. This line runs from the Financial District through Nob Hill, ending at Van Ness Avenue, carrying tourists and locals alike past landmarks like Grace Cathedral and luxury hotels.
Van Ness Avenue, a major north-south artery (U.S. Route 101), intersects with California Street in a bustling area near City Hall, the War Memorial Opera House, and Davies Symphony Hall. The corridor sees heavy vehicle traffic, pedestrian activity, and public transit, making it prone to congestion and collisions.
Safety Context: While cable car incidents are rare, they often make headlines due to the vehicles’ open design and slow speeds (max 9.5 mph). Past accidents have involved vehicles crossing tracks improperly or abrupt stops to avoid collisions. San Francisco’s Vision Zero initiative aims to eliminate traffic fatalities, but intersections like Van Ness and California remain part of the city’s “High Injury Network”—streets accounting for most severe crashes.
In recent years, SFMTA has implemented improvements along Van Ness, including bus rapid transit lanes and enhanced signals, but challenges persist with driver inattention and hit-and-runs.
Hit-and-Runs on the Rise: A Growing Concern in SF
This incident adds to a troubling trend: Hit-and-run collisions in San Francisco have increased in recent years, often involving injuries. Authorities urge witnesses to come forward, as fleeing the scene can elevate charges from misdemeanor to felony depending on injury severity.
Tips for Witnesses or Victims:
- Report tips anonymously to SFPD at (415) 575-4444 or text TIP411 (begin with “SFPD”).
- If involved in a transit-related incident, contact SFMTA for claims information.
Historical Echoes: Cable Cars and Collisions Through the Years
San Francisco’s cable cars have survived earthquakes, fires, and near-extinction, but not without dramatic accidents. Notable past events include:
- 1926: A runaway car on California Street injured dozens in the system’s worst crash.
- 1953-1980s: Multiple pile-ups and fiery collisions on steep hills like Hyde Street.
- Recent: Abrupt emergency stops injuring passengers when avoiding errant vehicles.
Fortunately, Sunday’s crash resulted in only minor injuries, a reminder of the system’s resilience but also the need for vigilance from all road users.
As investigations continue, commuters should expect potential delays on the California line Monday morning. Check SFMTA alerts for updates.
This hit-and-run underscores the fragility of sharing roads with historic transit in a modern city. Drivers: Yield to cable cars—they have the right-of-way on their tracks. Stay safe out there, San Francisco.
Sources: San Francisco Chronicle, NBC Bay Area, SFPD, SFFD, SFMTA historical data.
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