
Tragedy struck San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood this past weekend, leading to multiple injuries, one fatality, and the death of a dog. The San Francisco medical examiner identified the deceased victim as 27-year-old city resident Mikhael Romanenko. A black Tesla allegedly speeding through the Sixth and Harrison Streets intersection collided with multiple vehicles, including an unoccupied self-driving Waymo robotaxi, around 6:10 p.m. on Sunday. NBC Bay Area reports that Jia Lin Zheng, a 66-year-old man, was booked into jail Monday on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, reckless driving causing injury, speeding, and felony vandalism.
Before being booked, Zheng was injured in the crash and was taken to the hospital. According to KRON4, the San Francisco Police Department is investigating whether this same Tesla was involved in a separate hit-and-run involving multiple vehicles on the northbound Interstate 280 that occurred moments before the fatal collision. Inquiries are underway to determine if alcohol or drugs were contributing factors in the incident.
The aftermath of the crash was chaotic, as several people found themselves trapped within their damaged vehicles. Responders worked swiftly to rescue them, with many subsequently requiring medical attention at local hospitals. As per Hoodline, the San Francisco Police Department has asked the community to assist in piecing together the sequence of events and urges anyone with information to contact them.