The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the recent crash and subsequent fire involving a Tesla Inc. Semi truck in California.
The incident occurred when the Tesla Semi veered off Interstate 80 near Emigrant Gap, California, early Monday morning. While no injuries were reported, the vehicle's battery ignited, causing a temporary closure of the freeway in both directions for several hours.
In a statement on the social media platform X, the NTSB, in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol, announced, "The NTSB, in coordination with the California Highway Patrol, has opened a safety investigation into the August 19th crash and fire involving a Tesla electric-powered truck tractor on Interstate 80 near Emigrant Gap, California."
Tesla's website describes the Semi as a powerful, efficient, and fully electric truck, touted as the future of electric trucking. The company claims the Semi is equipped with standard active safety features that integrate with advanced motor and brake controls to ensure traction and stability in all conditions.
Currently in pilot production, the Tesla Semi is being incorporated into the fleets of several companies, including PepsiCo.
Full-scale production of the Semi is anticipated to commence by the end of 2025, with deliveries to external customers slated to begin in 2026.
As of now, Tesla shares are trading at $222.98 on the Nasdaq, marking a 0.13 percent decrease.
