A couple from Nevada tragically lost their lives in a severe three-vehicle collision involving Tesla’s new electric semi-truck. This incident is reportedly the first fatality linked to the automaker’s recently touted model.
On June 28, around 7:20 a.m., a 10-ton electric semi struck a vintage Volkswagen Beetle at an intersection on Route 50 in Dayton, Nebraska, as per local officials.
Authorities confirmed that the occupant of the Volkswagen died at the scene of the accident.
The victims were identified as Sergio Villanueva and his wife, Jennifer Villanueva. They were from Nevada.
In the wake of this tragedy, tributes have flooded in, and a fundraiser has been organized for their son, Sergio Villanueva IV, who was away at college in Ohio when the accident occurred.
“No child should ever have to deal with losing a parent, especially in such a sudden manner,” the organizers wrote. “Our main goal is to bring him home to be with family during this devastating time.”
While the cause of the accident remains under investigation, early reports suggest that the driver of the Tesla truck might have been drowsy while driving.
The driver, whose identity hasn’t been disclosed, managed to walk away from the crash unharmed.
It remains uncertain if he will face any criminal charges.
Another vehicle was involved in the incident, and a passenger in that car had to be hospitalized due to life-threatening injuries.
The accident took place around 30 miles northwest of Tesla’s Gigafactory in Nevada, where these electric semis, each priced over $250,000, are manufactured.
This model has been in regular production since the start of the year, and Sunday’s event marks what is thought to be the first fatal mishap involving this latest model from Tesla.
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to inquiries regarding the incident.
