San Francisco Tour Bus Kills Pedestrian

Amy Coyne Bredeson
by Amy Coyne Bredeson
Last updated: 4:23 PM ET, Sun January 17, 2016

A San Francisco tour bus struck and killed a pedestrian Saturday afternoon, according to SFGate.

The victim has not been identified, but witnesses told SFGate that he appeared to be in his 70s and was crossing Post Street at a red light at Divisadero Street. The double-decker Hop-on Hop-Off Tour Bus crushed the man under its wheels, San Francisco police Officer Carlos Manfredi told SFGate.

Police didn't provide many details, but they did say, based on witness accounts, that the man was crossing against a red light, SFGate reported. They told the newspaper they will be reviewing surveillance footage of the crash.

RELATED: San Francisco's Largest Cab Company Blames Uber, Lyft for Pending Bankruptcy

Former San Francisco police officer and painting contractor Frank Zarich told the newspaper that he saw the man waving and shouting at the bus as it was turning onto eastbound Post Street.

"The old guy was at the intersection, waving his arms at the bus," Zarich said. "He was looking right at the bus, shouting something and waving his arms."

Zarich told SFGate that as the bus made a right turn, he became distracted by a motorist running a red light. When he turned back to look at the man, he was nowhere to be seen.

This is not the first time something like this has happened in San Francisco. In 2014, a Classic Cable Car Charters vehicle struck and killed a 68-year-old city worker, SFGate reported. On Nov. 13, 2015, mechanical problems led to a City Sightseeing double-decker bus crashing in Union Square, resulting in 20 people being injured.

RELATED: NTSB Investigating Latest Deadly Duck Boat Crash

It was later discovered that the City Sightseeing bus had not been inspected by the California Highway Patrol and was not registered with state regulators as required by law, SFGate reported.

Meanwhile, state legislators are pushing for tougher regulation of the tour bus industry. State Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, told SFGate on Saturday that the latest tragedy is more proof that there need to be regulations in the industry. He and fellow legislators plan to introduce reform bills later this month.

"We need to look at this and see where the regulations are not adequately providing safety," he said. "We want to know what we can do to better enforce and oversee an industry that is growing and may be unsafe."


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Amy Coyne Bredeson

Amy Coyne Bredeson

Amy Coyne Bredeson is a freelance writer and editor in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. She has worked in journalism for the...

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Watch Now!
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...