A married Nevada couple were tragically k!lled in a horrific three-car wreck involving a new Tesla electric semi-truck, believed to be the first fatal crash involving the new model.
The 10-ton electric semi slammed into a vintage Volkswagen Beetle at an intersection on U.S. 50 in Dayton, NE, around 7:20 a.m. on June 28, according to local authorities, Forbes reported.
The occupants of the Volkswagen d!ed at the scene, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol and Lyon County Sheriff’s Office.
An online fundraiser identified them as Nevada locals Sergio and Jennifer Villanueva.
“No child is ever prepared to lose a parent, especially so suddenly,” the fundraiser wrote. “Sergio is currently attending college in Ohio, and our immediate priority is bringing him home to be with his family during this heartbreaking time.”
While the cause of the crash is still being probed, preliminary reports suggest the driver of the Tesla truck may have fallen asleep at the wheel, according to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office.
That driver, who has not been publicly identified, walked away from the crash unscathed.
It is unclear if he will face criminal charges.
A second passenger vehicle was also struck, and an individual from that vehicle was flown to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, the Daily Mail reported.
The grisly wreck took place approximately 30 miles northwest of Tesla’s Nevada Gigafactory, where the semi, which retails for more than $250,000, is manufactured, according to Forbes.
The electric semi-truck has only been in regular production since the beginning of the year, and it is believed that Sunday’s crash is the first fatal crash involving the Elon Musk-owned carmaker’s newest model, the outlet reported.