A tragic incident occurred early Wednesday in Piedmont, California, resulting in three fatalities and one serious injury. The accident involved a Tesla Cybertruck that reportedly ignited after the crash, prompting a rapid response from local authorities.
What Happened
The accident occurred around 3:10 a.m. as the occupants were returning from an event. According to Piedmont Police Chief Jeremy Bowers, excessive speed might have been a factor in the single-vehicle crash. A fellow attendee, traveling separately, managed to rescue the surviving victim from the burning vehicle.
The Investigation
The identities of the victims have not been disclosed to protect family privacy. Despite police officers’ extinguishers being ineffective, the fire department managed to extinguish the blaze quickly. Piedmont Fire Chief Dave Brannigan noted that the rapid extinguishing indicated the Cybertruck’s lithium-ion battery likely did not catch fire, describing it as a typical car fire.
No Evidence of Mechanical Failure
Chief Bowers stated that there was no evidence of mechanical failure causing the accident. This is significant, as the Cybertruck has been recalled six times over the past year for various safety issues, including a recent recall on November 5 due to an electric inverter fault.
Tesla’s Response
Tesla did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Why It Matters
This incident is the latest in a series of accidents involving Tesla vehicles. In March, a Cybertruck crashed into the entrance of The Beverly Hills Hotel, with CEO Elon Musk attributing the accident to the vehicle’s sports car-like agility. In July, a severely damaged Cybertruck was put up for auction after a high-velocity collision. Additionally, another fatal crash in France involved a Tesla vehicle that caught fire, resulting in four deaths.
National Investigation
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into nearly 2.4 million Tesla vehicles following reports of crashes involving the full self-driving system.
Stock Price Impact
Tesla stock closed at $332.89 on Wednesday, down 1.6% for the day. In after-hours trading, the stock increased slightly by 0.5%. Year to date, Tesla’s stock has gained 34%.