On Monday afternoon, around 4:30 p.m., a tragic event unfolded near the Chevron gas station at Mission Street and South Van Ness Avenue. Witnesses reported that a man was struck and killed by a truck at this busy intersection.
Richard Conway Jr. was walking his dog nearby when he heard a loud crash followed by sirens. He hurried to the scene and found a man’s body lying on the ground. The victim appeared to be between 25 and 40 years old and was reportedly unhoused, wearing Velcro shoes without socks.
“I just prayed for him,” Conway Jr. said, expressing the shock of the moment.
This incident marks San Francisco’s ninth traffic fatality this year, according to city records. Despite efforts like the “Vision Zero” initiative started in 2014, aimed at eliminating traffic deaths, the city has not seen a decrease in fatalities over the years. In 2022 alone, 25 people lost their lives in similar accidents.
Witnesses described the vehicle that struck the man as a truck, potentially an F-250 or F-350. The intersection, a one-way street heading north, is known for fast-moving traffic.
Following the accident, police sealed off the area, while the owner of a nearby food truck waited behind the police line to identify the victim. He suspected that the deceased might be one of two men who frequently bought horchata from him and lingered in that area.
Traffic-related deaths are not only a local concern but also a national issue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the U.S. saw approximately 42,915 fatalities on the roads in 2021, the highest number since 2005. These statistics highlight the pressing need for improved road safety measures and community awareness.
This story is still developing, and authorities are investigating further details surrounding the incident.
