In a devastating incident on Saturday, two individuals, including a child, lost their lives and three others sustained injuries when a car crashed into a bus stop in San Francisco. According to Lt. Mariano Elias, a San Francisco Fire Department Public Information Officer, the accident occurred at around 12:13 p.m. at the Ulloa Street and Lenox Way bus stop, located outside the West Portal Branch Library.

At the time of the crash, four people were present at the bus stop. Sadly, two of them were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two individuals and the driver of the vehicle were injured and transported to the hospital. The identities and ages of the victims have not been released, but Lt. Elias confirmed that one of the deceased was an adult and the other was a child.

The scene of the accident deeply affected the first responders, many of whom have families of their own. Lt. Elias expressed the emotional impact, stating, "It hits everybody at home."

The bus stop, situated outside the West Portal Muni Station, a busy business corridor and school, witnessed the tragic incident. As a result, Muni lines were rerouted and the intersection was closed while the police conducted investigations. Onlookers observed the mangled car, remaining at the scene for several hours, expressing their prayers and condolences for the victims.

The names of the victims have not been disclosed, pending notification of their families. San Francisco Mayor London Breed offered her condolences on social media, emphasizing that the focus remains on supporting the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time.

Following the crash, pedestrian advocacy nonprofit, Walk San Francisco, expressed grief and outrage over what they termed as "one of the worst pedestrian tragedies" in the city. The organization plans to hold a vigil for the victims at the crash site on Monday at 5 p.m.

West Portal Avenue, known for its high foot traffic and the presence of Muni rail lines, has raised concerns among pedestrians. The Saturday incident marks the fifth and sixth pedestrian deaths recorded in the city this year, more than double the number at the same time last year.

Jodie Medeiros, Executive Director of Walk San Francisco, called for a fundamental rethinking of areas like the crash site to ensure pedestrian safety. Medeiros emphasized the urgency for city leaders to take action, citing the loss of a child in the crash as a devastating reminder of the need for safer streets.

Despite San Francisco's commitment to becoming a Vision Zero city a decade ago, pledging to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries, the latest incident highlights the need for more aggressive measures. Walk San Francisco acknowledged the city's efforts, including the recent installation of 33 new speed cameras, but stressed the importance of prioritizing safety and striving for zero fatalities.

While the police continue their investigations, concerns arise among San Franciscans about pedestrian safety. Commuter Arianna Rivera, affected by the crash, expressed her apprehension regarding the high-speed traffic in the West Portal area.

The West Portal transit station, initially closed during the investigation, reopened later in the evening, enabling trains to resume service.

As the community mourns the loss of two lives, a candlelit memorial now stands at the intersection, serving as a reminder of the tragedy and the ongoing need for enhanced pedestrian safety measures in San Francisco.