Tesla semi involved in first fatal crash

DAYTON, Nev. (WKRC) - A Tesla Semi was involved in its first reported fatal crash since the electric truck entered service. According to a statement issued by the Lyon County Sheriff's Office and the Nevada State Police Highway Patrol, two people were killed and another was critically injured Sunday morning after a semi-truck collided with two vehicles on U.S. 50 in Dayton, Nevada. KTVN was at the scene of the crash and uploaded video of its report to the station's official YouTube channel. Authorities responded about 7:20 a.m. to the intersection of U.S. 50 and Traditions Parkway following reports of a major crash. Investigators determined that a semi-truck struck two passenger vehicles, forcing the closure of U.S. 50 in both directions. Traffic was diverted to secondary roads while crews worked at the scene. Medical personnel confirmed two people died in the crash. A third person with life-threatening injuries was flown by Care Flight to a local hospital. Forbes reported the semi involved was a 10-ton Tesla semi truck, and that it had crashed into a Volkswagen Beetle. The outlet noted that crash happened within about 30 miles from the Tesla Gigafactory that produces the semis. According to preliminary statements gathered at the scene, investigators believe the driver of the semi-truck may have fallen asleep before the collision. Authorities have not released the identities of those involved. The semi driver was uninjured, per the report. The Nevada State Police Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.