Bicyclist Hit, Killed By Garbage Truck In San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) - A man riding his bike in San Francisco's Mission District died Thursday after colliding with a garbage truck.
The accident was reported at 6:45 a.m. at 16th Street and South Van Ness Avenue. Police said both were headed east on 16th street when they collided. The cyclist was dragged an entire block and his body was badly mangled. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said the driver of the garbage truck was cooperating with investigators.
"This neighborhood is known for things happening but this is the first time I'd seen anything like this," said witness Manuel Cebales.
Cyclist Killed In Accident In San Francisco's Mission District
At this point police say it is too soon to say who was at fault, but one witness said the cyclist could have done more to prevent the wreck.
"He ran a stop light, wasn't paying attention. (He was) in a hurry to do something and he got hit and killed," said witness Glenishra Randelston. "He should have had on a helmet."
The truck is owned by Recology, and Recology spokesman Robert Reed was at the scene Thursday morning. The company later released a statement which read, in part:
Recology staff responded immediately and we are cooperating fully with police investigators.
Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to family members of the cyclist who died in this morning's accident.
Police said it does not appear alcohol or drugs played a role in the collision.
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