San Francisco, California (March 27, 2026) — A 49-year-old man was killed, and another worker was seriously injured when a vehicle driven by a 76-year-old man left the roadway and crashed into pedestrians and a restaurant in San Francisco’s Chinatown, according to authorities.
Officials identified the deceased as Cutberto Zamora-Martinez of San Joaquin County. Public reporting says he was working at the time of the crash.
The collision happened Friday morning on Jackson Street near Grant Avenue, at the New Lung Ting Café in Chinatown.
Incident Details: According to San Francisco police and local reporting, the 76-year-old driver was trying to park when he lost control of his vehicle, crossed the street, struck two people on the sidewalk, and crashed into the restaurant. Zamora-Martinez later died from his injuries. A second person was also hit and seriously injured, though that person has not been publicly identified in the reporting I reviewed. Police said the driver is cooperating, and authorities stated there is no evidence that alcohol or drugs were involved.
KTVU reported that Zamora-Martinez was a husband and father and the sole provider for his family, according to a fundraising page cited in the coverage. The crash also forced the restaurant to close temporarily, and community members described the scene as devastating.
Investigation: In a crash like this, investigators will likely focus on how the driver lost control while attempting to park, whether pedal confusion or another driving error played a role, and how the vehicle ended up crossing into the pedestrian area. When a car leaves the roadway and strikes people on the sidewalk, crash reconstruction becomes especially important in understanding the exact sequence of events.
Investigators may also review vehicle condition, sightlines, roadway layout, curb design, and any surveillance footage from nearby businesses. Because two workers were reportedly on the sidewalk when they were hit, another important issue will be exactly where they were positioned and whether protective barriers or street design changes could have reduced the risk of this kind of impact.
Legal Considerations: Sidewalk crashes involving a driver who loses control while parking can still present serious civil liability issues, even when drugs or alcohol are not suspected. If the investigation also shows that dangerous street conditions contributed to the severity of the crash, there could be additional questions about whether any public entity claim should be examined. However, those cases involve special rules and short deadlines.
Pending the investigation’s findings, the family of Cutberto Zamora-Martinez may have a valid opportunity to pursue a wrongful death claim to compensate for funeral and burial expenses, pain and suffering, and the loss of financial support, love, companionship, care, and guidance. The seriously injured second worker may also have a personal injury claim to help with medical care and lost wages.
My deepest condolences go out to the loved ones and family of Cutberto Zamora-Martinez, and I hope the injured worker makes a full recovery.
Source: KTVU San Francisco