Feds open investigation into ‘hazmat’ Tesla Semi battery fire

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced the launch of an investigation into a hazmat incident involving an electric Tesla Semi that occurred in Placer County, California this week.

On August 21, the NTSB said that “an investigation has been opened into the August 19 crash and fire involving a Tesla electric powered truck tractor on Interstate 80 near Emigrant Gap, California.”

The investigation will be conducted in partnership with the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

“The NTSB is investigating this event due to its interest in the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries,” the agency said.

The crash occurred around 3 a.m. on August 19. The Tesla Semi reportedly veered off eastbound I-80 and struck trees near the roadway.

No one was injured.

The crash sparked a fire that created a hazmat situation due to “toxic fumes” spewing from the truck’s Lithium-Ion batteries.

The incident closed a portion of I-80 for approximately 16 hours, resulting in big truck traffic backups.

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