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SAN FRANCISCO, San Francisco County, Calif., Oct. 18, 2026 — A Golden Gate Transit bus was involved in a two-vehicle crash on southbound US-101 near the toll plaza Saturday evening, October 17, leaving at least one passenger injured, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The California Highway Patrol said the crash was reported around 5:48 p.m. near the toll plaza on southbound US-101, close to the Golden Gate Bridge approach. A passenger reportedly struck their head and suffered bleeding after the bus braked hard, per early radio traffic logged by dispatchers.
Medical units were initially sent to the scene on an ambulance request for a possible injury, CHP records show. Officers later reclassified the incident as a two-vehicle crash with minor injuries after assessing the scene. Traffic on the bridge was affected as units responded, with at least one report describing slow "rolling" conditions through the area.
The extent of the passenger's injuries has not been released, and it's unclear whether anyone else aboard the bus or in the second vehicle was hurt. The California Highway Patrol has not said what led the bus to brake suddenly, and the collision remains under investigation.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in San Francisco, CA
This bus crash happened on US-101 in San Francisco, CA. We cover crashes across San Francisco County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our San Francisco County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries are most common in bus accidents?
Sudden stops or collisions often cause head injuries, cuts, and bruises among standing or unrestrained passengers, since most buses don't have seatbelts. Neck and back strain are also common from the force of a quick stop.
What usually causes crashes like this one?
Hard braking, following too closely, distracted driving, or another vehicle merging unsafely are common factors in rear-end and lane-change collisions involving buses.
Why is sudden braking dangerous for bus passengers?
Passengers who are standing or not using available handholds can be thrown forward or sideways when a bus brakes hard, increasing the risk of head and facial injuries even at low speeds.
What to Do After a Bus Accident in San Francisco, CA
If you're involved in or witness a bus crash, check yourself and others for injuries before moving, and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor at first, like a bump to the head, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since symptoms such as concussions can take hours to appear. Make sure to get the names and contact information of other passengers if possible, as they may be useful witnesses. If you're a passenger, note the transit agency and bus number, and ask how to file an incident report. Keep copies of any medical records or paperwork related to the crash in case you need them later.
