A collision involving a Tesla Cybertruck in Northern California has resulted in three fatalities and left one person seriously injured, according to officials. The vehicle caught fire following the crash.
The incident occurred at 3:08 a.m. on Wednesday when an iPhone alerted Piedmont police. Officers arrived two minutes later to find the Tesla Cybertruck engulfed in flames.
A passerby, believed to have attended the same event as the victims, was seen pulling one of the occupants from the burning vehicle as officers arrived. Officers attempted to extinguish the fire with portable extinguishers but were unable to contain the intense flames. The Piedmont Fire Department arrived at 3:16 a.m. and was able to put out the fire.
The crash resulted in three deaths, while one individual was taken to a hospital with serious injuries.
“Speed was likely a contributing factor in this collision,” said Chief Bowers.
Piedmont Fire Chief Brannigan stated that the fire “appears to be subsequent to the collision” and added that “we don’t think the lithium batteries of the car were on fire, but that’s going to be determined as part of the investigation.”
While police have not released the identities of the victims, a woman close to the survivor’s family told KRON4 that all four occupants were friends and 2023 graduates of Piedmont High School. They were reportedly returning to the Bay Area from college for the holiday season.