WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY – A deadly car crash led to a fiery explosion in Westchester County on Monday that left two people dead and the front of an apartment ablaze. Reportedly, an out-of-control Tesla struck a curb and crashed into a tree before barreling into the front of an apartment building, resulting in an explosion.
Emergency units made their way to the crash site on Battle Avenue around 9:10 a.m. and were met with a fully engulfed vehicle. Firefighters immediately began to douse the vehicle and building flames. Despite the hazardous circumstances, some residents of the apartment’s second floor managed to escape following the explosion’s noise.
David Chong, White Plains Public Safety Commissioner, commended the firefighters for promptly carrying out the mission of extracting from inside the building. Among the survivors was a woman living on the apartment’s first level, who considered herself fortunate that her son wasn’t home at the time.
Chong informed that the investigation is currently looking into whether the accident was caused by a mechanical or personal issue. Although authorities believe the driver lost control on Battle Avenue, it remains to be determined whether the electric Tesla at the center of the incident had any mechanical faults.
Once first responders put out the fire, the bodies of two badly burned Hartsdale women were found in the wreckage. The driver, identified as Millie Sheehan, 70, and the passenger, Diana Sheehan, 36, are believed to have dropped children off at a nearby daycare center before the deadly incident took place.
Two more occupants of the building were also injured in the accident, but are expected to recover fully. A third person, injured by shrapnel from the car explosion, is currently recuperating at the hospital. A bulldozer was later brought in to remove the burnt-out vehicle from the scene while the investigation continues.