A devastating crash in San Francisco on Sunday night claimed the life of a man and his dog, leaving the man’s girlfriend, Lin Liu, with broken bones and a deep sense of loss. Liu, who remains hospitalized, is grappling with the aftermath of the crash, which involved multiple vehicles, including a Waymo driverless car. The crash, caused by a 66-year-old man driving a Tesla at a dangerously high speed, has left Liu not only mourning the loss of her partner, Misha Romanenko, but also questioning what went wrong that night.
The Tragic Incident
The fatal incident occurred just after 6 p.m. on Sunday, at the intersection of Sixth and Harrison streets in San Francisco. Romanenko, Liu, and her dog, Keepers, were on their way to pick up Liu’s grandmother and aunt from the airport when the tragedy struck. According to Liu, the last memory she has of her boyfriend before the crash was the simple exchange of “I love you,” which he reciprocated. It was moments later that her world turned upside down. She recalls the next thing she remembers being rushed into a hospital room, with no clear recollection of the crash itself.
The crash involved a black Tesla that had crashed into seven vehicles, including a Waymo autonomous vehicle. Law enforcement reports indicate that the Tesla was traveling at an alarming speed of 98 miles per hour when it plowed into the vehicles. Liu, who was seated in the passenger seat, has only fragments of memories of the crash, but one clear image stands out: seeing her boyfriend motionless after the impact. She recalls calling out to him, desperate for any sign of life, but her pleas went unanswered.
Details of the Crash and Police Investigation
San Francisco Police responded to the scene, where they found the wreckage of the Tesla and other damaged cars. The driver of the Tesla, Jialing Zhang, was arrested on charges of vehicular manslaughter. Police reports reveal that Zhang did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol, as no odor of alcohol was detected, and tests confirmed that there was no alcohol in his system. In an interview with investigators, Zhang claimed that he had attempted to brake repeatedly, but the vehicle would not slow down, leaving him unable to prevent the crash. Despite his explanation, the investigation is ongoing, and the cause of the vehicle’s failure remains unclear.
The police report highlights the shocking speed at which the crash occurred, with the Tesla traveling 98 miles per hour just before impact. This is a crucial detail, as it raises questions about the safety features of the vehicle and whether there were any mechanical failures. The Waymo vehicle, which was also involved in the crash, was not reported to have been at fault, adding another layer of complexity to the incident.
Liu’s Emotional Struggles and Reflection on Loss
As Liu continues to recover from the physical injuries sustained in the crash, including several broken bones, she is left to cope with the emotional trauma of losing her boyfriend and dog in such a senseless manner. Despite her own suffering, Liu is focused on remembering Romanenko for the positive energy he brought into the lives of those around him. She describes him as someone who exuded joy and kindness, always willing to help others and brighten their days with laughter.
In an emotional statement, Liu expressed her deep sense of loss and heartache, saying that Romanenko had a “purpose on this world” and that his impact on others was undeniable. She also reflected on how she wished it had been her who had perished in the crash instead of him, a sentiment many survivors of tragic events may understand but rarely vocalize. Liu’s grief is palpable as she pleads with others not to take life for granted, especially after losing the person she loved most.
Liu’s words serve as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones. In the wake of the crash, Liu has made an emotional plea to the public, urging them to appreciate their loved ones and to not leave words of affection unsaid. “Please hug your loved ones,” she said, “Tell them you love them.” Her heartbreak and pain are clear, but so is her desire to honor Romanenko’s memory by sharing the joy he brought to others and encouraging others to cherish the time they have with the people who matter most.
Safety Concerns and the Intersection’s Role
Another aspect of the tragedy that weighs heavily on Liu’s mind is the safety of the intersection where the crash took place. She questions whether the design of the intersection played a role in the deadly incident, particularly the way Sixth Street ends with a stoplight that allows drivers to go as fast as they want before reaching the light. Liu hopes that the investigation into the crash will address whether the intersection’s design contributed to the high-speed collision and whether changes are necessary to prevent future accidents in the area.
A Call for Justice and Accountability
As the investigation continues and authorities examine the circumstances surrounding the crash, Liu is left with unanswered questions. She seeks justice not only for the loss of her boyfriend and dog but also for the safety of other drivers and pedestrians who might be at risk on similar roads. While the pain of losing Romanenko may never fully fade, Liu’s determination to find answers about what happened that night provides a sense of purpose in the wake of such devastation.
