Oregon man arrested after Tesla crashes at nearly 100 km / h, sends batteries flying

CORVALLIS – An Oregon man crashed a Tesla while traveling at around 100 km / h, destroying the vehicle, an electric pole and starting a fire when some of the vehicle’s hundreds of batteries smashed the windows and landed in residences, police said. Dylan Milota was driving a 2019 Tesla S on Tuesday night when he lost control, pulled off the road and traveled over 300 feet before stopping, according to Corvallis Police Lt. Ryan Eaton.

The car cut an electric pole at the base, knocked over two trees and a telephone junction box, police said. Batteries thrown by the Tesla in the crash landed on one person’s knees and on a bed in a nearby residence, causing the bedding to set on fire, police said. Police said hundreds of batteries used to power the vehicle were strewn about in the crash.

A tire torn from the car also hit the pavement of a nearby apartment building with such force that it ruptured water pipes in the wall, destroying part of an apartment, police added.

Milota, 21, fled the scene of the crash on foot and police arrested him about three blocks away, Eaton said. Milota was taken to hospital with minor injuries and faces charges of the misdemeanor of driving under the influence of marijuana, hit and run, criminal mischief, reckless driving and reckless endangerment, has Eaton said.

Police urged residents to be aware of potentially dangerous batteries that could still remain in the crash area. The batteries could cause burns, give off toxic fumes and release harmful substances, police said.

–The Associated Press