A tragic series of events unfolded in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood on Sunday evening, resulting in a deadly crash involving a Tesla Model Y. The incident led to the death of one individual and a dog, while seven others sustained injuries, one critically. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 66-year-old Jia Lin Zheng, has been arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, speeding, and vandalism, following the series of crashes that began at a nearby freeway off-ramp.
The Chain Reaction Crash
The tragic accident occurred around 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, at the intersection of Sixth and Harrison streets. San Francisco police report that Zheng’s Tesla collided with a line of cars that had come to a stop in traffic. The impact of the crash caused a chain reaction, with one vehicle striking another, and so on, ultimately resulting in a fatality and multiple injuries. Among the injured, one individual was transported to the hospital in critical condition. The crash also claimed the life of a dog that was inside one of the vehicles.
Witnesses at the scene described the chaos and suddenness of the incident. A nearby Waymo vehicle, which was not occupied at the time, was also struck during the crash, though no passengers were hurt. The immediate aftermath was grim, with the sight of the dog lying motionless on the street and the victim being rushed away by paramedics.
A Trail of Destruction
According to San Francisco police, the series of collisions began earlier that evening on the 280 freeway off-ramp near Sixth and Brannan streets. Witnesses reported seeing a black Tesla, later identified as Zheng’s vehicle, involved in several hit-and-run accidents. One of the individuals who witnessed the events, Reece Wallace, recounted how his own vehicle, a Nissan Versa, was struck from behind as he waited in line on the off-ramp. Wallace and others described the Tesla swerving around cars, hitting them before speeding off onto the shoulder and continuing to cause damage. In a video shared online, the Tesla can be seen moving aggressively and running a red light at Brannan before continuing to Sixth and Harrison, where the fatal crash ultimately took place.
Wallace mentioned that he had a clear view of the Tesla’s license plate cover during the sequence of collisions, which allowed him to identify the vehicle involved in both the hit-and-run on the off-ramp and the deadly crash at Sixth and Harrison. The frustration and anger were palpable among witnesses who expressed disbelief at the reckless nature of the driver’s actions. “Cars are dangerous, and people are stupid in them,” Wallace said, underscoring the public’s concern over the apparent lack of regard for others on the road.
The Arrest and Investigation
Following the crash, police were able to apprehend Jia Lin Zheng. They charged him with several serious offenses, including vehicular manslaughter, speeding, and vandalism. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, as authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the deadly collision. Zheng’s arrest came after witnesses provided crucial information and evidence, including video footage, that helped confirm his involvement in both the freeway hit-and-run and the fatal crash.
While at San Francisco County Jail, Zheng declined requests for an interview regarding the incident. His arrest has sparked outrage among the community, particularly as families and loved ones of those affected continue to process the trauma of the event. The wife of the victim who was killed in the crash visited the scene of the accident shortly after the incident but was understandably too devastated to speak to the media.
A Community in Mourning
As the investigation continues, the community is grappling with the tragic loss and the questions surrounding the circumstances of the crash. Local authorities have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims, while also emphasizing the importance of road safety and the consequences of reckless driving. The incident has reignited concerns about the safety of vehicles on the road, particularly the risks posed by distracted or irresponsible drivers.
The tragic events of that Sunday evening highlight the devastating consequences of negligent driving. With multiple vehicles involved, numerous injuries, and the loss of life, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic laws and exercising caution while behind the wheel.
