Tourist Favourite Cable Car Halts Suddenly, Injuring 15
A sudden and unexpected stop by a San Francisco cable car on Monday afternoon left 15 people with injuries, ranging from minor to moderate. The incident has prompted an immediate investigation by the city's transport authority.
Details of the Incident and Response
The San Francisco Fire Department confirmed the injuries via social media, detailing that two individuals required immediate hospitalisation. Eleven others were treated at the scene for what officials termed "minor aches and pains." The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), which operates the iconic cable cars, stated it is actively investigating the event but has not yet provided a reason for the abrupt halt.
The cable cars, which are partly open-air and where passengers do not wear seat belts, are a major draw for visitors to the city. Their unique design means riders often stand or hang onto the sides, leaving them vulnerable to jolts and sudden movements.
A Historic Landmark Under Scrutiny
First introduced in the 1870s and designated a National Historic Landmark in the 1960s, San Francisco's cable cars are immortalised in culture, most famously in Tony Bennett's classic song. Today, three lines continue to operate, blending historic charm with modern city transport.
In a formal statement, the SFMTA emphasised its commitment to passenger safety: "Safety for our passengers on all Muni vehicles continues to be our top priority. We’ll be conducting a full review of incident details to ensure continued safety on the cable cars." This review will be closely watched, given the system's status as both a working transport link and a beloved tourist attraction.
The event underscores the ongoing challenge of maintaining safety on historic transport systems while they remain in daily public use. Authorities are expected to release further findings as their probe continues.
