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Almost 3,500 people a day dice in motor vehicle accidents around the world. The ones that seem to get the most publicity are the relative handful of fatal Tesla crashes. The most recent example came in Baarn, Netherlands, when a Tesla Model S went off the road Wednesday and crashed into a tree, killing the commuter.

Reports indicate the battery or parts of the battery flew complimentary and defenseless fire, creating problems for emergency responders. There is no indication initially as to whether this Tesla had Autopilot, and if and so, if it was switched on.

Source: NOS (Dutch Public Dissemination)

Lots of initial defoliation

The story took on a life of its ain because of some unusual attributes: At least one battery burn that wouldn't get out, uncertainty over Autopilot, and Europe'southward apparent disinterest in automakers getting too involved also early in the accident investigation. For US editors rushing to get early stories out, the path to alternative information was to point Google Translate at the first stories appearing in Dutch. Google Translate is something of a work in progress if y'all're looking for nuances.

This much appears clear: The motorcar involved was a Tesla Model Due south. The accident happened 25 miles east of Amsterdam forth a straight roadway lined with trees. The driver died instantly in the crash. The front of the machine was badly damaged, components were strewn about, and the rear was relatively intact.

Firefighters took several hours to extricate the victim's torso. Early stories, especially on bad translations of early Dutch news stories, had Dutch firefighters agape of the car, fearful of existence electrocuted, and non knowing how to continue.

The later and more probable story is that fire-and-rescue teams take ready access to diagrams and cutaways of EVs, along with information on how to verify that a battery has been disabled. Fire department spokesman Ronald Boer told Reuters, "Nosotros know a lot about electric cars, just there are always going to be cases where something unexpected happens. There are going to be educational moments."

As for the battery, there was this uncertainty, or confusion: Parts of the bombardment were reportedly thrown from the vehicle, which if correct suggests a violent accident because the battery helps form role of the car's courage. With the only occupant expressionless and doubt most possible contact with high voltage, rescuers waited several hours to extricate the victim.

Tesla was chosen for (some) help

Some reports accept Tesla engineers being summoned from the Dutch offices several hours away to suggest authorities on safely dealing with the car. Tesla issued a argument: "Technical personnel are on the scene, and we are working with the authorities to establish the facts of the incident and offer our full cooperation. … We will share our findings as soon equally possible following the investigation."

Some Dutch news reports and commentators said the investigating body and regulatory agency RDW wanted Tesla'due south assistance, but said RDW should take control of the accident scene, and that Tesla would or should have fuller access to the car once the initial investigation was completed.

Tesla's first Autopilot fatality

Separate from battery-related issues, Tesla recorded its outset Autopilot fatality back on May 7 when Joshua Brownish, 40, of Ohio struck a truck turning into his path on a divided highway in central Florida. Authorities reported finding a portable DVD player at the crash site; it's not clear if it was being used at the time of the accident.

Afterwards that crash, Tesla issued this statement: "Neither autopilot nor the driver noticed the white side of the tractor-trailer against a brightly lit sky, so the brake was not applied …. Autopilot is getting better all the time, merely information technology is not perfect and withal requires the driver to remain alert."

(Thanks to ExtremeTech reader Wouter for sending in the tip)