San Francisco, CA (Bay Area Injury Lawyer News)—An unlicensed driver blamed a mechanical failure for a Tuesday morning, August 24, 2010 crash that left five pedestrians with serious or critical injuries. The SUV accident occurred at 9:36 a.m. in San Francisco’s Visitacion Valley. Authorities from the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) reported a Ford Explorer jumped a curb and struck five pedestrians on a sidewalk at San Bruno and Arleta avenues. The victims were apparently standing in front of a San Francisco apartment building near a Muni bus shelter when the collision occurred, according to information provided by the San Francisco Chronicle.

San Francisco Police Sgt. Michael Andraychak reported an unidentified 24-year-old woman was driving in the southbound lanes of San Bruno Ave. when she lost control of her sport utility vehicle, resultant of an alleged mechanical issue. The female motorist alleged she attempted to apply the Explorer’s brakes, but to no avail. The SUV consequently swerved into the northbound lanes and jumped a sidewalk, striking five pedestrians upon doing so. Eyewitness Ed Sandoval said the driver “couldn’t say anything. She was in shock. She was scared.” Sandoval added, “I told the driver, ‘Don’t run. It’s better if you stay here.’ She said, ‘I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.’”