On a busy Monday afternoon in San Francisco, a routine ride on one of the city’s iconic cable cars turned chaotic.
Fifteen passengers were injured after the vehicle came to a sudden, screeching halt, leaving some shaken and others with minor to moderate injuries.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, highlighting the risks of riding these historic, open-air vehicles. The incident has raised fresh concerns about safety on one of America’s most famous tourist attractions, which dates back to the 1870s.
“Safety for our passengers on all Muni vehicles continues to be our top priority,” said the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), confirming a full review of the incident.
What Happened on the San Francisco Cable Car?
Fifteen people were injured on Monday afternoon after a cable car in San Francisco made an abrupt stop, throwing passengers around the vehicle, according to the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD).
Two people sustained moderate injuries and were taken to the hospital. Eleven others reported minor aches and pains and received medical attention, while two declined assistance at the scene.
Fire officials said that an object may have been thrown at the cable car, causing it to stop suddenly. However, authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause of the incident.
“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,” said the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA).
Photos of the aftermath show shattered windows on the iconic cable car, while video footage from fire officials captured several ambulances attending the scene.
San Francisco fire department is on the scene at 1351 California St. between Leavenworth and Hyde with 14 patients who have been injured from a cable car that came to an abrupt stop. Avoid the area of California between Hyde and Leavenworth. There will be an ongoing… pic.twitter.com/AXsBxMn5DE
— SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDIA (@SFFDPIO) December 15, 2025
Why Are San Francisco Cable Cars So Risky?
Cable cars in San Francisco are partially open-air and do not require passengers to wear seat belts. Many tourists hang off the side while riding, which can increase the risk of injury during sudden stops.
Cable cars have operated since the 1870s, and the system was designated a National Historic Landmark in the 1960s, making it a major tourist attraction despite inherent safety risks.
A similar incident occurred in 2018, when a cable car slammed into a parked car, injuring four people. Authorities then also cited the open design and lack of restraints as contributing factors.
What does this mean for Tourists and Commuters?
Passengers should exercise caution while riding cable cars:
- Avoid hanging off the sides
- Hold on to the rails at all times
- Follow the instructions from the conductor
Experts suggest that incidents like Monday’s highlight the balance between preserving historical transportation and ensuring modern safety standards.
“These vehicles are a treasured part of San Francisco’s history, but safety must never be compromised.
We need continual monitoring and reviews to protect both residents and visitors,” said Dr Laura Thompson, transportation safety expert at the University of San Francisco.
Summary
On Monday, a San Francisco cable car came to an abrupt halt, injuring 15 people. Authorities are investigating, with early reports suggesting an object may have been thrown at the car.
Cable cars, which date back to the 1870s, are open-air and do not use seat belts, which contributes to potential risks. The SFMTA has promised a full safety review following the incident.
Those planning trips to San Francisco should be aware of the risks when riding cable cars and follow safety advice carefully. While accidents are rare, sudden stops or collisions can result in injuries.
