San Francisco, CA – Seven people were injured after a car crashed into an occupied church on Sunday afternoon, January 18, 2026, according to NBC Bay Area.
Emergency responders arrived just before 1:30 p.m. at 551 Nevada Street, between Ogden and Crescent avenues, after reports of a vehicle striking the building while it was occupied.
All occupants of the church were evacuated, and responders assessed seven individuals with apparent injuries at the scene. Three victims were transported to local hospitals for further treatment. Fire and police personnel described the crash as unintentional, noting that the driver of the vehicle is associated with the property.
The building, owned by Good Hope Baptist Church, has served the community for decades. MiShalom San Francisco Church has also been renting the space and holding services there for the past eight years.
At the time of the crash, MiShalom members were preparing for a 1:30 p.m. service. Several families, including children, were inside when a man, not associated with the congregation, backed into a parked car and accelerated into the church, causing structural damage and multiple injuries.
Pastor Benjamin Leiva reported that a toddler was briefly trapped under the vehicle but was rescued immediately. Injuries also included several children and a pregnant woman. Church leaders described the event as causing significant psychological distress in addition to physical damage.
The building has been boarded up, and MiShalom Church is currently seeking temporary locations to host its congregation of 80 to 90 people while repairs are planned.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash and are coordinating with church leadership on recovery efforts.
Personal Injury Claims
After a traffic accident, victims and their families often deal with unexpected financial burdens, such as medical bills, lost income, and, in the worst cases, burial costs. A Personal Injury Claim allows accident victims to hold the at-fault party financially responsible for their cost of care.
California Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Car Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
