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Semi-truck fire shuts I-5 for 16 hours

A Tesla electric car hit a tree. Then the battery ignited and spewed toxic smoke.

Published August 20, 2024 at 7:30am by Julia Gomez

Tesla semi-truck catches fire, shuts down Interstate 80 in California

A Tesla semi-truck caught fire early Monday, closing a section of Interstate 80 about 70 miles northeast of Sacramento in both directions for over 16 hours.

"The interstate was closed...after [the truck's battery] released toxic fumes that were an inhalation danger." - KCRA

Multiple agencies responded to the blaze, and fire retardant was airlifted to the scene to prevent the fire from spreading to the surrounding forest.

The driver was hospitalized, and the crash is under investigation.

Sources:

California Highway Patrol Facebook post
KCRA
CBS