An official incident report has been released detailing the car crash that resulted in significant injuries to San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. The report, obtained by The California Post from the Palo Alto Fire Department, states that first responders arrived at the scene in Palo Alto at approximately 6:11 p.m. on July 14.
The collision involved two four-door sedans colliding head-on, causing moderate to significant damage to the front ends of both vehicles. The report noted that airbags deployed and fluids spilled onto the roadway. Fire officials confirmed there were no signs of smoke or fire from either vehicle, and police were on scene speaking with both drivers.
Dispatch audio indicated the crash involved a black Tesla and a blue Mercedes. According to a California collision report database, the other driver was a 21-year-old female. The Palo Alto Police Department had previously denied requests for the incident report, 911 audio, and body camera footage, citing exemptions under the California Public Records Act.
Shanahan stated in a July 28 meeting with reporters that the accident was his fault. He explained that he dropped his phone, which had slid between his seat and lap, and he took his eyes off the road for a moment to retrieve it. "As I was coming up, the airbags hit me in my face," he said, describing the impact as "violent."
As a result of the crash, Shanahan suffered broken ribs, a broken nose, and a broken hand. He also sustained a concussion and a cut on his face that required 40 stitches. While his participation was limited during 49ers training camp, he appeared to have returned to his normal duties by August.