A married couple from Nevada, United States, has died in what is believed to be the first fatal crash involving a Tesla Semi electric truck since the vehicle entered regular production.
The three-vehicle collision occurred at about 7:20 a.m. on June 28 at an intersection along U.S. Highway 50 in Dayton, Nevada, according to local authorities.
The Tesla Semi reportedly collided with a vintage Volkswagen Beetle, killing its occupants at the scene.
The victims were identified through an online fundraising campaign as Sergio and Jennifer Villanueva, residents of Nevada.
The fundraiser said the couple’s son, who is studying at a college in Ohio, was being assisted to return home following the tragedy.
“No child is ever prepared to lose a parent, especially so suddenly,” the fundraiser stated.
Authorities said investigations into the cause of the crash were ongoing.
However, preliminary findings by the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office suggested that the driver of the Tesla Semi may have fallen asleep before the collision.
The driver, whose identity has not been released, was not injured in the crash.
Officials have yet to determine whether criminal charges will be filed.
A third vehicle was also involved in the collision, with one occupant sustaining life-threatening injuries and being airlifted to a hospital for treatment.
The crash occurred about 30 miles northwest of Tesla’s Gigafactory in Nevada, where the Tesla Semi is manufactured.
The all-electric heavy-duty truck, which reportedly sells for more than 250,000 dollars, entered regular production earlier this year.
Media reports said the incident is believed to be the first fatal crash involving the Tesla Semi since the model was introduced.
