ONLY ON ABC7NEWS.COM: Bicyclist hit by San Francisco tour bus recounts crash

Byby Melanie Woodrow KGO logo
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Bicyclist hit by SF tour bus recounts crash
For the first time, ABC7 News is hearing from the bicyclist hit by a San Francisco double decker tour bus.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- For the first time, ABC7 News is hearing from the bicyclist hit by a San Francisco double decker tour bus.

The City Sightseeing bus went on a wild ride in November, hitting a cyclist, parked cars and scaffolding in Union Square. The bus driver has said his brakes failed, but the San Francisco Police Department is still investigating.

PHOTOS: Several injuries reported after tour bus accident in SF

ABC7 News spoke exclusively with the cyclist who was visiting San Francisco from Brazil. The 26-year-old is doing a lot better.

"After that I almost died, I'm still grateful. I was grateful and I'm more grateful nowadays," said Guylherme Kfouri.

Kfouri said this after needing stitches to his head. Surveillance video shows the City Sightseeing tour bus hitting him.

"I was looking at the sky, five seconds later I was in the hospital," he said.

Kfouri says he didn't wake up until the next night.

"What happened? 'She said the bus crashed into you and after crashed a lot of people and cars,'" he said.

The bus blew through orange barriers. His attorneys say the bigger picture is making sure San Francisco's double decker tour buses are regulated more closely.

"They have to be safety-checked and not only that but who is driving the buses," said attorney Marc Libarle.

SFPD is investigating the Union Square Crash. CHP plans to release inspection results of approximately six other City Sightseeing tour buses as early as this week. A source close to the inspection says the buses could have mechanical violations.

Kfouri says he was visiting San Francisco from Brazil.

"San Francisco is amazing, is amazing, amazing, amazing," he said. His feelings for the city have not changed. "I'm so grateful. I was so grateful to be in San Francisco, spend that one week," Kfouri said.

Kfouri even says he would come back, though he said he's not sure he would rent a bike agains.