x
Breaking News
More () »

Minor arrested for DUI after fiery Tesla crash in Tarrytown

The northbound traffic signal at Westover Road and Exposition Boulevard was completely taken out after a Tesla crashed into it, then caught fire.

AUSTIN, Texas — An early-morning crash at Westover Road and Exposition Boulevard caused traffic delays Thursday.

The crash happened around 1:30 a.m. The northbound traffic signal was completely taken out after a Tesla crashed into it, then caught fire.

The Austin Fire Department said because the car was a Tesla, firefighters had to use 40 times the amount of water that they would use on a normal car fire.

"They obviously run completely on battery power, so there's a battery under the frame, which makes it hard to get to. Plus, once it's burning, they're extremely hard to put out – they'll reignite," AFD Division Chief Thayer Smith said. "As soon as you stop pouring water on it and it looks like it's out, it would just reignite."

The driver, a minor, had no injuries but was arrested for driving under the influence.

PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING:

Change.org petition hopes to get City of Austin to cancel ACL Fest 2021

Austin Police Department investigating suspicious death off North Mopac

Austin-Travis County issue mask orders for public schools, City and County buildings

Some Austin restaurants to require proof of vaccination for indoor diners

Before You Leave, Check This Out