A married Nevada couple was killed in a devastating three-vehicle crash involving a Tesla Semi, in what is believed to be the first fatal crash involving the company’s new all-electric truck.
The 10-ton electric semi-truck collided with a vintage Volkswagen Beetle at an intersection on U.S. Highway 50 in Dayton, Nevada, at approximately 7:20 a.m. on June 28, according to local authorities. Forbes first reported the incident.
The occupants of the Volkswagen died at the scene, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol and the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office.
An online fundraiser identified the victims as local residents Sergio and Jennifer Villanueva.
“No child is ever prepared to lose a parent, especially so suddenly,” the fundraiser states. “Sergio is currently attending college in Ohio, and our immediate priority is bringing him home to be with his family during this heartbreaking time.”
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. However, preliminary findings suggest the driver of the Tesla Semi may have fallen asleep at the wheel, according to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office.
The truck driver, who has not been publicly identified, was not injured in the crash. Authorities have not said whether criminal charges will be filed.
A third vehicle was also involved in the collision. One occupant of that vehicle was airlifted to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to the Daily Mail.
The crash occurred about 30 miles northwest of Tesla’s Gigafactory Nevada, where the Tesla Semi is manufactured. The all-electric truck, which has a starting price of more than $250,000, entered regular production earlier this year.
