Image Credit: Fremont Fire Dept.
Fremont, California: A tragic accident occurred Monday evening when a Tesla crashed into a newly constructed apartment building in Fremont, resulting in the death of the driver and the evacuation of nearby residents due to the ensuing fire.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether the Tesla was operating in autonomous mode.
Key Facts:
- The driver, identified as Kamleshkumar J. Patel, 46, from Fremont, lost control of the vehicle.
- The Tesla collided with the first floor of the building, which was vacant at the time, igniting a fire.
- Residents of the upper floors were evacuated as fire crews battled the blaze, which took 20 minutes to extinguish.
The crash occurred around 5:47 p.m. near Old Warm Springs Boulevard.
Witnesses described hearing screeching tires and a loud explosion, while residents like Tom Vo, who lives on the fifth floor, recounted the terrifying moment the building shook from the impact.
Debra Martin, a nearby driver, recalled how the Tesla, speeding at around 100 mph, nearly struck her vehicle moments before it swerved into the building.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, and Fremont police confirmed that no other individuals were inside the Tesla or injured in the building.
The driver’s cause of death remains under investigation. Questions have arisen regarding whether Tesla’s autonomous driving feature played a role, but police have not yet provided further information.
“I heard a loud explosion, and I literally thought it was a bomb,” said Tom Vo, describing the chaos following the accident.
As the investigation continues, residents have expressed concern about the high speeds witnessed before the crash and the potential dangers of autonomous vehicles.
The incident has sparked conversations about road safety and the capabilities of self-driving technology.
Local authorities have urged residents to avoid the area as cleanup and investigations persist.