Just after midnight today, a car flew off the southbound I-280 overpass near Mariposa Street, crashed to the ground below, and burst into flames, killing one person and injuring several others. Fire crews and medics worked through the early morning hours to pull survivors from the burning wreckage. At least four people were taken to the hospital, and investigators kept the area shut down into the morning while they documented the chaotic scene.
Video from beneath the overpass shows the vehicle engulfed in flames; KTVU reports that one person died in the crash and at least four others were transported to local hospitals. The outlet notes the collision happened shortly after midnight and that the Mariposa on- and off-ramps were closed as crews fought the fire and cleared debris.
Traffic impact and response
Southbound I-280 and the nearby Mariposa on-ramp were shut down for hours, tangling the Friday morning commute and pushing frustrated drivers onto neighborhood streets. San Francisco Fire Department teams and tow operators remained on scene to put out lingering hotspots and haul away the wreckage, while police taped off the area and kept traffic back. Drivers heading toward the US-101/I-280 interchange were warned to expect long delays and to use alternate routes.
Dangerous stretch
The Mariposa/18th Street ramp has long had a reputation as a problem spot, with awkward geometry and short merge space that can surprise motorists. Transportation officials have flagged it before as a safety concern. As SFGATE has reported, the short ramp and stop sign at 18th Street have drawn repeated complaints and calls for fixes over the years.
Investigation underway
San Francisco police and the California Highway Patrol are now working to determine what led up to the deadly plunge. Authorities had not yet released the names of the victim or the survivors, according to KTVU. Investigators are asking anyone who may have video or information about the crash to come forward as scene work and cleanup continue in the area.
