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Pedestrian In Wheelchair Killed At Notorious SF Intersection

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Police in San Francisco were investigating what led to a collision that killed a pedestrian in a wheelchair in the city's Hayes Valley neighborhood overnight.

Officers responded to a report of a crash in the area of Market Street and Octavia Boulevard around midnight Sunday, Officer Gordon Shyy said. The intersection is considered one of the most dangerous in the city.

The pedestrian was transported to San Francisco General Hospital, but was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The driver of the car remained at the scene and was cooperating, Shyy said.

"I hate to say it, I'm not surprised. There's been a number of accidents in the past three, four, five months," said cyclist Michelle Forshner. "As careful as you can be as a cyclist, you're watching to see 'okay. I know it's my turn to go. I'm not going to because these guys are going to hit me.' You do the best you can, but it's very scary."

In 2011, Market and Octavia had the most injury collisions of any San Francisco intersection, largely due to drivers making illegal or dangerous right turns, according to SFMTA.

"I don't feel confident that everyone knows what they need to do when there's traffic congestion," said pedestrian Alexander Aghassipour.

The hope is that a new camera will cut down on accidents in the area starting next month. People caught making illegal turns will get a $238 fine.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco and Bay City News Service. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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