A Tesla caught fire after a collision in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles on Monday morning, sending two people to the hospital. The collision occurred approximately 7:45 a.m. close to Mason Avenue on West Nordhoff Street.
As firefighters arrived, footage posted on the Citizen app showed the car completely engulfed in flames, with debris, including a tire, scattered all over the sidewalk and pavement.
As multiple individuals provided assistance, a woman was seen lying on the ground. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) claims that a collision between two cars caused the Tesla to catch fire.
Later, LAPD confirmed that two individuals were taken to nearby hospitals in an undisclosed condition, despite fire officials’ initial report that three people were hospitalized.
Cause of the fire
According to authorities, the Tesla fire involved an electric vehicle and chemicals related to its lithium-ion battery, calling for the response of the hazardous materials unit of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Because lithium-ion battery fires burn differently and much hotter than internal combustion engine fires, first responders increasingly face more challenges.
