A driver died in a fiery car crash on city streets in Pleasanton on Saturday evening after his Tesla slammed into a traffic signal pole and cement wall, according to police.
The name of the male driver has not been released, and the cause of the solo-vehicle crash in front of the Andares condo complex remains under investigation.
The fatal wreck unfolded just before 6 p.m. Saturday when the driver of a 2018 Tesla Model S traveling southbound on Hacienda Drive lost control for unknown reasons at the West Las Positas Boulevard intersection, according to Pleasanton police Sgt. Ben Sarasua.
The Tesla struck a traffic signal pole and a cement wall, and then caught fire, Sarasua said. The male driver, who was the only occupant, died as a result of his injuries, according to the sergeant.
The Pleasanton police traffic unit continues to investigate the cause of the crash, according to Sarasua. Investigators have not yet determined whether alcohol or drugs were a factor.
In a follow-up report around noon Sunday, police officials said the Tesla’s battery actually reignited after the car had been taken away from the scene. Fire crews responded to contain the flames.
Portions of West Las Positas Boulevard and Stoneridge Drive near the intersection were closed throughout the night during the investigation and cleanup. The county’s AC Alert system announced that the roadways fully reopened just after 5 a.m. Sunday.
The Livermore Police Department and Alameda County Sheriff’s Office assisted Pleasanton police with the investigation and traffic control, Sarasua said.
Anyone with information about the crash can contact Pleasanton PD’s traffic unit at 931-5100.
This was the second serious crash in Pleasanton in nearly 24 hours. A motorcyclist sustained critical injuries after losing control and striking a pole while riding on Dublin Canyon Road around 4:45 p.m. Friday, police said.
Comments
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Jan 20, 2020 at 9:14 pm
on Jan 20, 2020 at 9:14 pm
Has the police shed anymore light on what happened in this tragic situation?
I am really concerned about this accident and have been reading about issues with drivers falling asleep on the freeway while auto-pilot is engaged. If a car was on auto-pilot going eastbound on 580, given that two 580 lanes exit on Hacienda southbound, could the auto-pilot mechanism --- if it was indeed engaged, possibly have caused the car to exit Hacienda and 'thought' that it was still on a freeway? Can someone who owns a Tesla or know how the auto-pilot works answer the question.
I see news item after news item of Teslas going down freeways with drivers asleep and them going for miles and miles, including in the Bay Area.
Also in this situation will the NTSB be part of the investigation?
Golden Eagle
on Jan 22, 2020 at 12:18 am
on Jan 22, 2020 at 12:18 am
A person lost their life in the crash! The model car, speed, bumpy road, color of the sky and which way the wind was blowing is irrelevant. Have some respect for the victims family. I pray they find peace during this difficult time. My condolences.