During a test drive in France, a
Tesla Model S has apparently caught fire. The news was
first posted to Reddit (via
Electrek) and we're trying to track down more details. All we have for now is a low-res image that apparently came through WhatsApp and speculation on online forums. Based on the Reddit comments from the person who posted the picture, the car displayed a "Problems with charging" message while moving, so the driver pulled over and everyone got out of the car safely.
For now, Tesla's only comment is that, "We are working with the authorities to establish the facts of the incident and offer our full cooperation. The passengers are all unharmed. They were able to safely exit the vehicle before the incident occurred."
As we always need to make clear during headline-grabbing events like this is that gas-powered vehicles catch fire all the time (something like 17 an hour in the US, killing over an average of 200 people a year).
UPDATE: Tesla now says it is working with French authorities in an investigation into the blaze.
For now, Tesla's only comment is that, "We are working with the authorities to establish the facts of the incident and offer our full cooperation. The passengers are all unharmed. They were able to safely exit the vehicle before the incident occurred."
As we always need to make clear during headline-grabbing events like this is that gas-powered vehicles catch fire all the time (something like 17 an hour in the US, killing over an average of 200 people a year).
This story will be updated.Another Tesla fire (please no freaking out, gas cars are just as flammable) https://t.co/AOnfOk26ID
— E.W. Niedermeyer (@Tweetermeyer) August 15, 2016
UPDATE: Tesla now says it is working with French authorities in an investigation into the blaze.
