1 Killed, 1 Hurt as Wall of Dirt Collapses in S.F.

SAN FRANCISCO — One man was killed and one hurt Friday when a wall of dirt collapsed while they worked on an apartment building renovation project in the Russian Hill neighborhood, authorities said.

A father-son team was working with two other men on a two-car underground garage and elevator shaft at the four-story building at Leavenworth and Lombard streets, digging by hand when the accident occurred, according to officials and witnesses.

A 33-year-old San Francisco man, whose name was not released, was reported in good condition after initial examination at San Francisco General Hospital Mission Emergency, spokeswoman Ruth Rankin said. She said he was being examined for possible internal injuries.

Marcelino Herrejon, 48, said his 20-year-old son, Pedro Herrejon Velasquez, died in the accident. The father said he was outside the building when he heard the noise of a wall of dirt burying the workers inside.

“I told them to run, but they didn’t all get out,” he said.

Police Officer Dave Ambrose said there were no additional casualties. He said the accident was reported at 10:10 a.m. and fire authorities left the scene by 11:45 a.m.