A 65-year-old homeless man, lying on a mattress in a Hillcrest alley in San Diego, was tragically hit and dragged almost 30 feet by a Nissan SUV on Sunday. According to Times of San Diego, The devastating event unfolded around 11:38 a.m. in the west alley of the 3800 block of Park Boulevard when the 48-year-old driver turned into the steep alley from University Avenue, as NBC San Diego reported.
Measures had to be taken to free the victim from beneath the compact SUV, as he was wedged under the vehicle, then rushed to UC San Diego Medical Center for immediate treatment. The incident left the victim with severe injuries, including second- and third-degree burns and a fractured femur, another tragic reminder of the dangers faced by the homeless population in our communities.
San Diego Fire-Rescue Battalion Chief John Fisher told OnSceneTV that the victim was unfortunately sleeping in a place where the driver could not see him, leading to these tragic circumstances. In a remarkable display of swift action and teamwork, San Diego Fire-Rescue crews promptly arrived at the scene and employed several pieces of equipment to carefully lift the SUV, freeing the victim from his perilous position under the vehicle.
Authorities have deemed that alcohol was not a factor in this unfortunate accident and are urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward by calling Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
