PELHAM MANOR, NY – A tragic accident in Westchester County claimed the lives of two individuals when a Tesla vehicle collided with a rocky outcrop and erupted in flames early Tuesday morning. The crash, which occurred near the intersection of Pelhamdale Avenue and Shore Road, has prompted local road closures and a thorough investigation by authorities.
Surveillance footage captured the moments leading up to the crash, showing a dark-colored Tesla speeding down Pelhamdale Avenue before it veered off course and struck the rock formation. Witnesses reported the vehicle traveling at a high speed just before the collision, though investigators have yet to determine if speed was the definitive cause.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene, but their efforts were complicated by the Tesla’s lithium-ion battery pack, which is located beneath the vehicle. The impact triggered a series of explosions from the batteries, hindering the firefighters’ ability to control the blaze and delaying the retrieval of the victims.
The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of electric vehicles, particularly in high-speed crashes. “These batteries can be challenging during incidents like this,” said a first responder, highlighting the difficulties posed by the battery’s volatile nature.
As the investigation continues, the Westchester County Medical Examiner is working to identify the victims, whose removal from the charred vehicle was delayed due to another fatal crash requiring their immediate attention. The community is left grappling with the tragedy, particularly poignant during the holiday season.
Local authorities have closed multiple roads in the vicinity, including near the New York Athletic Club’s Travers Island facility, to facilitate the investigation. The Pelham Manor police are leading the inquiry into the crash and subsequent fire involving the Tesla sedan.
Residents expressed their sorrow for the victims and their families. “It’s heartbreaking, especially at this time of year,” said a local resident, reflecting the community’s shared grief.