Man killed in SoMa truck collision

Victim may have been a local unhoused resident, according to witness accounts

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:51am by

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and damaged truck headlight lens, reflecting the harsh glare of a camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a fatal collision.The aftermath of a fatal collision in San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood exposes the harsh realities of pedestrian safety in the city.San Francisco Today

A man was struck and killed by a truck on Monday afternoon in San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood. Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang and seeing the victim's body between a Chevron gas station and a food truck at the busy intersection of Mission Street and South Van Ness Avenue.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges of pedestrian safety in San Francisco, especially for vulnerable populations like unhoused individuals. The SoMa area has seen an increase in traffic collisions in recent years, raising concerns about infrastructure, driver behavior, and the need for greater protections for those on foot.

The details

According to witness Richard Conway Jr., the victim was a man between 25 and 40 years old, possibly unhoused, who was wearing Velcro shoes without socks. The vehicle that struck him was described as a truck, possibly an F-250 or F-350. The driver spoke with police for about 45 minutes before leaving the scene. Police had closed the block between Mission and Market streets as they investigated the incident.

  • The collision occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Richard Conway Jr.

A witness who was walking his pit bull near the scene when he heard the loud bang and saw the victim's body.

Picacho food truck owner

The owner of a food truck that parks at the intersection, who suspected the victim may have been one of two men who frequently bought horchata from him and hung out in the area.

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What they’re saying

“I just prayed for him.”

— Richard Conway Jr., Witness

What’s next

Police are continuing their investigation into the incident and will likely release more details in the coming days.

The takeaway

This tragic loss of life underscores the need for improved pedestrian safety measures and greater support for vulnerable populations in San Francisco's urban neighborhoods. As the city continues to evolve, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents must remain a top priority.