Automobile Enthusiasts

POLITICS MARCH 2, 2019 / 5:21 PM / UPDATED AN HOUR AGO

NHTSA probing two fatal Tesla crashes in Florida since Sunday: agency

David Shepardson
3 MIN READ

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it is investigating a fatal Tesla Inc Model S crash in Davie, Florida last Sunday that killed the driver and resulted in a massive vehicle fire, the second fatal crash this week the agency is probing.

The agency and the National Transportation Safety Board said late on Friday they are sending teams to investigate the other fatal crash Friday in Delray Beach, Florida of a 2018 Model 3 that crashed into a semi-trailer.

A NHTSA spokesman confirmed Saturday the agency has an “ongoing investigation” into the earlier Tesla crash in Davie and “will take additional actions if appropriate.” Tesla did not immediately comment Saturday.

The South Florida Sun Sentinel reported Monday the 2016 Tesla Model S caught fire and burned the 48-year-old driver beyond recognition. The newspaper said the Tesla battery repeatedly caught fire after being transported to a towing facility.

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