A quiet San Francisco street is reeling from a heartbreaking loss. KitKat, the unofficial mayor of the neighborhood and a cherished fixture at Randa’s Market, was tragically struck and killed by a self-driving car.
The beloved cat, known to hundreds, was hit on October 27th. A quick-thinking bartender rushed KitKat to a hospital, but despite their best efforts, he couldn’t be saved. His death has ignited a wave of grief and outrage within the community.
Mike Zeidan, owner of Randa’s Market, described KitKat as “a special cat,” emphasizing the outpouring of love and support he received. It was clear to everyone who knew him just how much he meant to the neighborhood.
The tragedy has sparked a fierce debate about the safety of autonomous vehicles. Supervisor Jackie Fielder vowed the community would never forget KitKat, criticizing the company’s response as an attempt to downplay the incident.
Adding to the community’s anger, comments made by a company co-CEO suggesting society was “ready to accept deaths” caused by automated cars surfaced shortly after KitKat’s passing. This ignited fears that the value of life was being diminished in the pursuit of technological advancement.
The company issued a statement expressing sympathy and noting the cat ran under the vehicle as it was pulling away. They also announced a donation to an animal rights organization, but for many, it felt like a hollow gesture.
Locals have responded with an outpouring of affection, creating a makeshift shrine to KitKat filled with touching photos and videos. He wasn’t just a cat; he was a symbol of community and a source of joy for everyone he met.
This incident comes as the same company plans to launch a fully driverless ride-hailing service in London. However, recent polls reveal a deep-seated distrust of driverless technology among the British public, with the vast majority preferring a human driver.
The loss of KitKat is a stark reminder of the potential consequences of rapidly deploying new technologies. It’s a tragedy that has left a community heartbroken and questioning the true cost of progress.
