Tesla Battery Explodes in Fatal Crash

Feb 16,2017

Investigators say an exploding Tesla battery played a role in a fatal collision in Indianapolis last November. Casey Speckman, 27, was driving her boss’s 2015 Tesla Model S north on Illinois Street around 1 a.m. on Nov. 3, 2016. Speckman allegedly swerved to avoid colliding with a wrong-way driver. She then lost control of the Tesla and crashed into a tree.

A witness who pulled over to help says the whole car exploded before he even got out of his vehicle. He had to drive his vehicle farther north to avoid falling debris. According to firefighters, debris from the Tesla flew up to 150 yards away from the crash site.

Speckman and her boss, 44-year-old Kevin McCarthy, both died in the explosion. Speckman’s blood alcohol level was 0.21% and McCarthy’s was 0.17%, according to the accident report. Although the driver clearly tested over the legal limit of 0.08%, investigators say the battery explosion definitely played a role in the deadly crash.

Tesla Battery Pack Made of Lithium Batteries

Investigators say the force of the crash exploded the Tesla’s battery, causing the fiery eruption. When firefighters arrived, some of the battery cells continued to explode, creating a difficult rescue scenario. Firefighters say the fire required a profuse amount of water to extinguish. According to the Indianapolis Fire Department battalion chief, the fire was unlike any vehicle fire the crew had ever seen before.

The 1,200-pound Tesla battery comprises thousands of small lithium batteries. These are the same types of batteries used in products that have reportedly exploded and injured consumers, such as e-cigarettes and hoverboards.

“The Tesla is the first vehicle of its kind on the market, and we are just beginning to learn all the potential safety hazards it poses,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.