Waymo Self-Driving Car Set on Fire in San Francisco’s Chinatown
Introduction
San Francisco’s Chinatown witnessed scenes of chaos as a mob vandalized and set fire to a Waymo self-driving car using a firework on Saturday evening. Owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, Waymo has been offering a 24/7 driverless taxi service in California since last summer. The incident, which occurred on the day of the Chinese Lunar New Year, sparked outrage and concern among local authorities and residents.
Vandalism and Fire in Chinatown
During the Lunar New Year celebrations, an alarming incident unfolded in San Francisco’s Chinatown. A man, who later returned with a drink in his hand, rams a skateboard and slams his drink container into the passenger window and windshield of a white Waymo self-driving car. Bystanders were seen cheering on the vandalizers while recording the incident on their phones. The situation quickly escalated as the car was engulfed in flames, causing significant damage.
Response from San Francisco Fire Department
The San Francisco Fire Department condemned the act and reported that the Waymo vehicle was surrounded, graffiti’d, and its windows broken. A firework was set on fire inside the vehicle, which ultimately led to the vehicle catching fire entirely. The fire department uploaded photos which captured the car in flames and its charred remains, serving as visual evidence of the incident.
Political and Public ReactiAvasons
Aaron Peskin, president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, expressed his outrage at the incident, emphasizing the potential danger caused by such an act. Peskin highlighted the risk of fires spreading to nearby buildings, the potential for harm to innocent individuals, and the significance of the Chinese Lunar New Year, which attracts numerous tourists and families to the area.
Waymo’s Statement
Waymo, in a response to the incident, reported that the car was not carrying any passengers at the time and expressed relief that no injuries were reported. The company stated that the vehicle was moving through a street in Chinatown when individuals surrounded it. They later threw the firework inside, which ignited the fire, causing the extensive damage.
Concerns Around Driverless Cars in San Francisco
Despite the increasing presence of driverless cars on San Francisco’s streets, long-standing tensions exist between the city’s residents and the autonomous vehicles. Instances of driverless cars causing disruptions, such as colliding with cyclists or emergency vehicles, have created apprehension among the public. The recent incident involving the Waymo vehicle being set on fire further fuels concerns regarding the public’s acceptance and safety of autonomous transportation.
Conclusion
The Waymo self-driving car being set on fire in San Francisco’s Chinatown during the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations has raised serious concerns about the public’s perception and safety of autonomous vehicles. The incident, marked by vandalism and a deliberate firework attack, demands a thorough investigation and appropriate action to ensure the safety and acceptance of self-driving technology in the future.
