This Fatal Tesla Crash Resulted In A Massive Fire

Two people were killed after a Tesla Model S hit a tree in Indianapolis, causing a huge fire

Updated: 04 Nov 2016

Firefighters in Indianapolis were presented with a raging fire to extinguish after a Tesla Model S crashed into a tree.

According to witnesses, the driver - 27-year-old Casey Speckman - was traveling at a “a high rate,” WTHR reports. She was pronounced dead at the scene, while her passenger - 44-year-old Kevin McCarthy - later died in hospital.

An intense fire followed the crash, complicated by burning battery cells launching out of the wrecked car. It was put out in around 5-10 minutes, and as is apparently the case with most hybrid or electric car fires, it was done so using “copious amounts of water.”

It’s important to point out that in the Indianapolis Fire Department press conference seen above it’s mentioned many vehicles explode after crashes of this severity, regardless of what fuels them. It’s just that electric and hybrid car fires present unique challenges.

Tesla actually has extensive guides on its website to help firefighters safely put out fires like these, and the Indianapolis Fire Department has been training responders in the unique aspects of EV and hybrid fires.

Update: we’ve since been sent the following statement about the crash from a Tesla spokesperson:

“We are deeply saddened to hear that this accident involved fatalities and we’ve been working with authorities to offer our full cooperation. Due to the damaged caused by the collision, the car was physically incapable of transmitting log data to our servers.
However, had Autopilot been engaged it would have limited the vehicle’s speed to less than 35 mph on this street, which is inconsistent with witness statements and the damage sustained.”

Update 2: The fine folks at Jalopnik have since found another video of the aftermath of the crash (below) which shows the car’s cells dramatically exploding, almost like fireworks.

Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.

Comments

Great. Now Everyone thinks Tesla is at fault because “the cars aren’t safe” and “these batteries are dangerous af” and everybody keeps forgetting that they were speeding and prob would’ve died in every other car as well. Thanks for pointing out IFD’s statement about these accidents though.

Its mainly tesla’s fault,batteries shouldnt be under the passengers

The front and rear still would be acceptable

Just another driver not trained or experienced enough to handle a very fast car. And the fire is unfortunate but will be a reality as more and more cars go battery electric. But all high end, high speed cars have inherent dangers to driving them especially at high speeds. 5 star crash ratings mean nothing when you’re into triple digits on the speedo. Sorry for the loss of life at any rate and prayers for their families.

A envoiromental friendly car getting killed by a tree, isn’t that kinda ironic?

mustang’s big brother

I fault this doesn’t damage Tesla’s image. I’m sorry but this was obviously the driver’s fault.

Maybe tesla should do some sort of “black box” system (I know it’s totally unnecessary, but still). Maybe having the data stored in a waterproof and fire retardant casing?