Safety board opens investigation into Tesla truck crash

(Reuters) – The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board has opened an investigation into a crash and fire involving a Tesla Inc electric semi-truck. on a California highway, the agency announced Wednesday evening.

The NTSB will conduct the safety investigation in conjunction with the California Highway Patrol, it said in a post on social media platform X.

The electric vehicle maker and the California Highway Patrol did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

An electric Tesla semi truck crashed near Emigrant Cap in northern California late Monday night after its engine caught fire, closing a highway for more than half a day, local media said, adding that no injuries were reported injured.

Auto experts say electric vehicle fires burn differently than those in cars with internal combustion engines. They often last longer and are harder to put out because they tend to re-ignite.