Waymo Self-Driving Taxi Sparks Fire in San Francisco by Running Over July 4th Fireworks

During the U.S. Independence Day holiday on July 4, multiple incidents occurred in San Francisco involving Waymo autonomous taxis driving over fireworks on the road, with one vehicle catching fire after running over a small firework. No injuries were reported. Local fire crews responded to extinguish the flames and towed the affected vehicle off the road. In another incident, a passenger-recorded video showed a different Waymo autonomous vehicle also driving over fireworks, which the company identified as illegally discharged. No injuries or vehicle damage occurred in that case, and Waymo has since contacted the passenger to confirm their well-being. Service disruptions affected some Waymo autonomous vehicles that day due to traffic conditions. The company stated its roadside assistance team had removed the disabled vehicle and is now reviewing the incidents to draw lessons and improve operations.