UPDATE: A tragic accident occurred early Friday morning in Los Gatos when a Tesla Model 3 crashed into a tree, igniting a fire that claimed the life of the driver. The collision took place at approximately 12:26 a.m. on the northbound side of Highway 17, just south of Lark Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Authorities report that the driver swerved unexpectedly into the right shoulder of the highway before losing control and veering down an embankment. The vehicle collided with a tree and quickly became engulfed in flames, with the driver still inside.
As emergency services arrived, the scene was devastating. The fire consumed the vehicle, and despite immediate response efforts, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the victim has not yet been released; Santa Clara County Coroner’s Office will disclose the name after next of kin notification.
Investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities looking into whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash. Additionally, it remains unclear if the Tesla’s autonomous driving features were engaged at the time of the accident.
The collision has drawn attention to road safety in the area, particularly regarding the use of advanced vehicle technology. As the investigation continues, local residents are left shaken by the event, highlighting the human impact of such tragedies on the community.
All lanes on Highway 17 have since reopened, but the incident serves as a tragic reminder of the potential dangers of distracted or impaired driving.
Stay tuned for further updates as more details become available.
