Woman riding scooter killed in SF Market Street collision after wheel caught in train track: witness
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A deadly crash on a busy San Francisco street Friday is now fueling the debate over the safety of e-scooters.
It was a tragic scene on San Francisco's Market Street Friday: a woman declared dead, a personal scooter and helmet on the ground nearby.
It happened just before 9 a.m. at Fifth and Market Streets.
San Francisco Police Department says a woman riding an electric scooter was killed in a collision with a commercial truck.
"The vehicle that was involved and the driver involved in this incident were located in the area, and our traffic collision investigation unit is handling the investigation," said SFPD Public Information Officer Robert Rueca.
Police are not saying whether it is being classified as a hit-and-run.
"I seen the truck but my concern was more about her," a witness said.
This man says he was riding his scooter nearby and saw the incident.
"Usually when there is a lot of traffic, you have to avert and go around the railroad tracks. And as she was going around the railroad tracks, she fell. Her tire was caught. She automatically went, and as she was trying to get up, the truck came, ran her head over, and killed her," the witness said.
Friday morning's scene drew a crowd and concerns.
"I'm not surprised to see, unfortunately, another scooter rider lose their life because they are extremely dangerous," said Bike Messenger Joseph Hellbender.
Hellbender has been a bike messenger in San Francisco for 15 years and knows the streets well.
"Market Street is a lot easier than it used to be now that we don't have as many cars. But the buses, the large trucks and the tracks -- not a lot of people know how to approach the tracks," Hellbender said.
Recent data from the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Association confirmed what many say they are experiencing on the streets. While the total injury collision numbers are trending down in 2026, severe injury collisions are on the rise at about an 8% increase from this time last year.
MORE: SFMTA report shows severe injury collisions up 8% on city streets in 2026
"Operating any vehicle and traveling on our streets, there is always inherent danger," Rueca said. "There are vehicles and other obstacles on the way. We ask that you maintain awareness in your surroundings and know how to operate any vehicle or how you are crossing any roadway."
Police have not released any more information about the driver of the vehicle, saying it is still under investigation. The same goes for the identity of the woman who was killed.
