PIEDMONT, Calif. (KRON) — Emergency crews responded to a multi-fatality crash early Wednesday morning in Piedmont, according to the California Highway Patrol. Authorities confirmed that three people died in the fiery crash that occurred at around 3:08 a.m. near Seaview Avenue and Hampton Road.
The crash involved a solo Tesla Cybertruck that jumped a curb before striking a tree and retaining wall. The front end of the vehicle appeared to be partially wrapped around the tree.
The vehicle caught fire in the crash and fully burned. The Piedmont Police Department clarified that the Tesla’s battery did not catch fire.
One occupant who was seated in the front was extricated from the vehicle by a Piedmont resident who was passing by. That person was transported to the hospital and is in critical condition. The three other occupants were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Mournful neighbors told KRON4’s Michael Thomas at the scene that the deceased were college students from the area who were visiting home for the holidays. Police have not confirmed those details.
The Cybertruck automatically alerted 9-1-1 at 3:08 a.m. to the crash. Neighbors who saw the flames coming from the vehicle also called to report the incident.
Piedmont police, along with the CHP, are investigating the crash. Authorities have not ruled out whether drugs or alcohol were involved in the fatal collision at this time.
The public is asked to avoid the area as investigators work the scene and collect evidence.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.