BAY AREA, CA — A burning Tesla shut down a key Bay Area freeway before sunrise, sending thick black smoke over the hills near Daly City and forcing drivers into a web of backups across the region.
Authorities say a blue Tesla Model Y flipped and burst into flames along northbound Interstate 280 early Tuesday, prompting a full closure at Hickey Boulevard in both directions.
Firefighters reached the scene around 5:58 a.m. and found the vehicle engulfed, with flames continuing to consume the wreckage well into the morning.
The solo male driver escaped with minor injuries, according to firefighters on the scene. Crews kept the freeway sealed off as they battled the fire and managed hazards tied to the electric vehicle, while southbound lanes gradually reopened.
No evacuations were ordered, though smoke from the blaze rose high above the corridor. Officials said Tesla, Inc. will be contacted as part of the cleanup and investigation process.
The disruption rippled across the peninsula, where a separate crash on northbound U.S. Route 101 compounded delays near Daly City, tightening an already congested commute.
Northbound lanes are expected to reopen by 9 a.m. In the meantime, officials urged drivers to avoid the area because of slowdowns around the wider area.
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