Tesla Model S Crashes Into Fire Truck With Autopilot Reportedly Engaged

The Culver City, California, fire brigade shared a couple of photos on social media with a crashed Tesla Model S.

According to their Twitter page, the electric saloon crashed into the truck while doing 65mph (105km/h), on Monday morning, with the Autopilot engaged, as confirmed by the Tesla driver.

Luckily, nobody was injured, but the blacked-out Model S will need some TLC before turning heads again, as its entire front end was damaged in the crash. The hood was almost peeled off from the body, and it appears that the front suspension may have been affected as well.

On the other hand, the fire truck has minor damages that include a broken taillight, some light scratches, and dents.

“While working a freeway accident this morning, Engine 42 was struck by a Tesla traveling at 65 mph. The driver reports the vehicle was on Autopilot. Amazingly, there were no injuries! Please stay alert while driving!”, the Culver City Fire Department wrote on social media, along with the “distracted driving” hashtag.

This isn’t the first Tesla crash with the Autopilot turned on, and probably not the last either, as several Model S and X cars were destroyed while their drivers were relaxing behind the wheel, and at least one owner was fatally injured.

Elon Musk’s company continues to advise Tesla drivers to remain vigilant when Autopilot is engaged, as the self-driving technology “is intended for use only with a fully attentive driver”.

H/T to Electrek

While working a freeway accident this morning, Engine 42 was struck by a #Tesla traveling at 65 mph. The driver reports the vehicle was on autopilot. Amazingly there were no injuries! Please stay alert while driving! #abc7eyewitness #ktla #CulverCity #distracteddriving pic.twitter.com/RgEmd43tNe

— Culver City Firefighters (@CC_Firefighters) January 22, 2018