A large number of Waymo robotaxis got stuck in traffic on Independence Day, and one even crashed into a blazing fireworks display.



Waymo , a self-driving technology development company spun off from Google, experienced a problem when one of its robotaxis ran out of battery and became stranded in traffic on Independence Day. A passenger also filmed the robotaxis crashing into an intersection where fireworks were burning intensely, describing the situation as 'terrifying.'

Waymo fleet clogs Presidio after July 4 fireworks, leaving some vehicles stranded and towed - ABC7 San Francisco
https://abc7news.com/post/waymo-fleet-clogs-presidio-july-4-fireworks-leaving-vehicles-stranded-towed/19455862/

Waymo car runs over firework in San Francisco | Mashable
https://mashable.com/tech/waymo-runs-over-firework-san-francisco

The following is the video provided to ABC7 News.




Fireworks are intensely igniting in the direction of a driverless robotaxi. This was Independence Day, a day when fireworks and other ceremonies were held. In San Francisco, people illegally set off fireworks in the streets every year on Independence Day, so these fireworks are likely to have been illegally ignited in the same way.



While the surrounding vehicles appear to have stopped moving, the robotaxi enters the intersection regardless, and in the video, it looks as if fireworks are exploding near the hood.



The fireworks themselves weren't particularly large-scale, but the robotaxi crashed into them in a way that overlapped with the ignition, so you can see the smoke engulfing the rear passengers through their windows.



Passenger Rose Peterson told ABC7 News, 'I was strongly reminded that something really bad could have happened to us, and to the people around us. It was a terrifying situation. Even now, when I think about it, I'm honestly so grateful to be alive.'

According to ABC7 News, after fireworks were launched from the Golden Gate Bridge during the Independence Day celebrations on July 4, 2026, numerous robotaxis became stuck in traffic and remained stationary for extended periods, causing their batteries to run out and rendering them immobile. On X, people expressed anger at the robotaxis obstructing traffic, and photos of the vehicles being vandalized were also posted.




In this region, there have been numerous reports of cell phone signals being lost during traffic jams. Phil Koopman, Professor Emeritus at Carnegie Mellon University, who has been researching autonomous vehicles for over 20 years, pointed out, 'Communication problems can pose challenges to the operation of autonomous vehicles. Without means of communication, they cannot call for help and will be stranded. Another problem is that there are only a few dozen remote support staff for robotaxis. If 100 cars become stranded at the same time, there will not be enough people to rescue everyone simultaneously, which will disrupt the transportation network.'

According to Waymo, the vehicle Peterson was in did not catch fire, but another unmanned vehicle caught fire after running over a firework on the road that same day. No injuries were reported in either incident. Waymo explained that the incidents were caused by 'extreme traffic congestion that disrupted normal operations,' and stated, 'We take these incidents very seriously and are committed to evaluating these events and learning from them.'

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