OAKLAND (AP)  A sport-utility vehicle crashed into a fire hydrant, which shot like a "bullet," striking and killing a man walking nearby, police said.

Humberto Hernandez, 24, was walking with his wife Thursday evening when a 2007 Ford Escape blew a tire and swerved onto the sidewalk, striking the hydrant, police said.

Water pressure and the impact of the crash sent the hydrant flying like a "bullet," said Phil Abrams, an Alameda County deputy sheriff.

Hernandez was hit in the back of the head and was pronounced dead at the scene.

After striking Hernandez, the hydrant hit a fence before landing another 20 feet away.

"I've seen a lot of accidents but never anything like this," said Oakland police Lt. Fausto Melara.

Hernandez's wife was not hurt.

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