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Surveillance Video Captures Horrific Western Addition Crash

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Surveillance video is providing a closer look at a violent crash on Gough Street in San Francisco early Tuesday morning that sent five people to the hospital.

The clip shows two cars slamming into forcefully into the signal light pole at the corner of Bush and Gough shortly before 5:30 a.m. Tuesday.

A third car, not seen in the clip, was also involved.

The light pole severely crumpled the passenger side door of the car that struck first. Firefighters had to use the "jaws of life" to get the victims out.

sf crash kpix western addition gough bush
Scene of a two car crash at Gough and Bush streets in San Francisco's Western Addition on March 20, 2018. (CBS)

 

"This was a very big collision that occurred this morning, yes indeed," said San Francisco Police Officer Giselle Linnane. "There were five people that were transported to hospital with life-threatening conditions. Preliminary info indicates that the first vehicle ran the light."

Police think the black sedan traveling eastbound on Bush Street simply ran the red light and crossed out into Gough Street, kicking off a chain reaction with two other cars.

"Again, that's what preliminary info indicates," said Linnane. "What led up to it, why they ran the light, what condition they were in, that's all going to be part of the investigation."

Beyond the investigation at the crash scene, the city also had someone watching the traffic lights at the intersection Tuesday afternoon, making sure everything is working as it should be.

Police said they're hoping to get more information from the surveillance video as well.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call (415) 575-4444.

© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. and Bay City News Service. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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