NTSB to investigate Tesla crash in Florida that left 2 dead

CORAL GABLES, Fla .– Federal officials said Friday they will investigate a Tesla car crash that has left two people dead in South Florida.

Three National Transportation Safety Board investigators travel to Coral Gables next week, where a Tesla Model 3 left the roadway and collided with a tree on Monday, the agency said on Twitter.

“We always take a close look at new technologies,” NTSB spokesman Peter Knudson said.

TESLA OPENS NEW STORE IN MEXICO ON TRIBAL LAND, AVOIDING STATE RESTRICTIONS

The NTSB’s investigation will focus on the operation of the vehicle and the fire that ravaged the car after the crash, officials said.

Tesla vehicles do not use gasoline which could increase the risk of a large fire after an accident, but the company’s advice to first responders includes a warning about battery fires. Tesla representatives said high-speed collisions can cause fire for any type of car. The Coral Gables crash happened near a residential intersection, and it was not immediately clear whether speed was a factor.

Federal officials said on Friday they would investigate a fiery Tesla crash that left two people dead in South Florida. (Getty Images) (Mason Trinca for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

It was also unclear whether the car’s partially automated driving system was on at the time of the crash. The government is scrutinizing Tesla’s system. Over the past five years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has sent investigators into 31 crashes involving vehicles with partially automated driver assistance systems, including 25 involving Tesla.

The NTSB will begin its investigation on Monday, complete the on-site work in a week and have a preliminary report in about 30 days, officials said.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Coral Gables Police identified the victims as a 20-year-old man, who was driving, and a 19-year-old woman. Coral Gables is located southwest of downtown Miami.