San Francisco Truck Chaos: A Monday Mishap of the Century
On January 2, 2018, a regular weekday in San Francisco turned into a scene straight out of a disaster movie. A box truck, apparently rehearsing for a dance performance, took an illegal left turn and met a swarm of unfortunate pedestrians, a parked car, and a Mazda carrying a family of five.
What Happened?
- Seven people got hurt—some light, some quite serious.
- The truck struck two pedestrians, a parked vehicle, and a family’s Mazda.
- One pedestrian suffered life‑threatening injuries; the other was seriously hurt.
- The family in the Mazda had minor wounds; their car got a polite “cushioning” from the truck.
ABC7 TV called the incident a “box truck catastrophe,” while the San Francisco Fire Department’s tweet (no hyperlink, just a ping) shared the grim details without the dreaded “code red” vibe.
Police Perspective
Officer Grace Gatpandan, who was on the scene, clarified that there was no indication this was a terrorist attack. That reassurance was all the police could offer, as the San Jose Mercury News took a quick “no comment” stance.
Why Some People Jump to Conclusions?
Recall the truck attack in New York last November, where an Uzbek immigrant allegedly killed eight people—an act labeled terrorism by authorities. Europe has seen similar tragedies, and anyone with a jumbotron can see why our brains favor the dramatic ending.
Keep Calm and Keep Your Watchful Eyes
This isn’t a call to panic. It’s a reminder that everyday mishaps can still be heart‑stopping. Keep your eyes open, respect traffic rules, and maybe give that ambitious truck a break.
TL;DR
A San Francisco truck went rogue, injuring seven folks. Police say it’s not terrorism. Remember: Road safety is not a stunt show.
