SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A sudden stop of a cable car in San Francisco resulted in injuries for more than a dozen passengers on Monday afternoon. The incident left 15 individuals wounded, with injuries varying from minor to moderate, as reported by the San Francisco Fire Department through social media channels.

Out of the injured, two were promptly transported to local hospitals for treatment. Meanwhile, 11 others received care for what was characterized as "minor aches and pains." The abrupt halt of the cable car has raised concerns about passenger safety, particularly given the unique nature of cable car travel in San Francisco.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), which oversees the operations of the city's iconic cable cars, announced that an active investigation into the matter is underway. However, the agency did not provide a specific explanation for the sudden stop that caused the injuries.

San Francisco's cable cars are a significant attraction for tourists and have been famously featured in cultural references, including a song by Tony Bennett about leaving his heart in the city. Notably, cable car passengers do not have seat belts and often hang off the sides of the cars, which are designed to be partially open-air.

The history of cable cars in San Francisco dates back to the 1870s, and they were designated as a National Historic Landmark in the 1960s. Currently, there are three operational cable car lines throughout the city, each contributing to the unique character and charm of San Francisco.

In light of this incident, the SFMTA reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety on all its vehicles, stating, "Safety for our passengers on all Muni vehicles continues to be our top priority." The agency has pledged to conduct a comprehensive review of the incident to ensure the ongoing safety of cable car operations.