A high-speed crash involving a Tesla on the FDR Drive early Tuesday morning resulted in one fatality and left another individual seriously injured. The accident occurred near the 71st Street exit at approximately 3 a.m.
Fatal Crash Details
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the Tesla was traveling at an excessive speed when it struck a guardrail, overturned, and caught fire. Witnesses reported that the vehicle was moving at speeds of 120 to 130 mph before impact.
The collision resulted in both occupants being ejected from the vehicle. The driver, who has yet to be publicly identified, was pronounced dead at the scene. The 26-year-old passenger survived but sustained serious injuries and was transported to the burn unit at NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center.
Emergency Response and Road Closures
Firefighters responded quickly to extinguish the flames caused by the Tesla’s lithium-ion battery, which posed a risk of reigniting. The incident led to significant road closures on the FDR Drive:
- Northbound lanes closed from 63rd Street to 96th Street
- Southbound lanes were temporarily closed but have since reopened
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities are still investigating the circumstances leading to the crash, including whether any external factors contributed. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.
Safety Concerns with High-Speed Electric Vehicles
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding high-speed accidents involving electric vehicles, particularly with lithium-ion batteries that can reignite even after initial fires are controlled. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has previously raised concerns about the hazards associated with EV battery fires in high-impact crashes.
As authorities work to determine the cause of the accident, drivers are urged to adhere to speed limits and exercise caution on roadways, especially in high-traffic urban areas like the FDR Drive. More updates will follow as the investigation progresses.
Dylan Anderson
