Driver of Tesla killed in crash involving firetruck in California

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — The driver of a Tesla was killed in a crash in Walnut Creek, California, that involved a firetruck.

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The driver of a Tesla was declared dead when the car crashed into a firetruck that was parked on Interstate 680. According to The Associated Press, the firetruck was parked to protect crew members that were clearing the area after a prior accident.

The crash happened around 4 a.m. Saturday. It took hours to clear the area and the firetruck had to be towed from the scene, according to the AP.

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District on Facebook said the passenger of the Tesla was taken out of the car and was taken to the hospital for treatment. In addition, four firefighters inside the firetruck at the time of the crash were taken to the hospital to be evaluated.

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Tracie Dutter said the four firefighters had minor injuries, according to the AP.

California Highway Patrol Officer Adam Lane said, according to the AP, that it was not clear if the driver of the Tesla was under the influence or if there were some operational issues with the Tesla Model S.

According to the AP, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has recently been investigating the autopilot system of the Tesla to see how it detects as well as responds to emergency vehicles that are packed on freeways. So far, about 14 Teslas have crashed into emergency vehicles while on autopilot.

The investigation is ongoing. No further information has been released.