SCOTTSDALE, AZ — Authorities are investigating what caused a Tesla to slam into a Scottsdale building Friday and catch fire, not once, but twice.
Before 8 a.m., Scottsdale Fire crews were called to a building on Paradise Lane, just east of Scottsdale Road for reports of a crash.
When crews arrived they located a single vehicle that struck a building. At some point the Tesla caught fire and firefighters put out the flames.
No injuries were reported.
Witnesses at the scene tell ABC15 a teen girl was attempting to park the vehicle and then it went forward, hitting the building.
The exact cause is still under investigation.
🚨#TrafficAlert 🚨 Southbound Scottsdale Rd at Greenway/Hayden will be closed for an earlier incident vehicle fire. Please find alt route. pic.twitter.com/fpXXYQyWxE
— ScottsdalePD (@ScottsdalePD) February 24, 2023
Shortly after, another fire involving the same Tesla sparked on southbound Scottsdale Road at Greenway Hayden Loop.
M.D. Clark, battalion chief with Scottsdale Fire, says while the Tesla was on a tow truck it sparked and caused another fire. The vehicle had to be let off of the tow truck in the middle of the street to keep the fire from spreading further.
Scottsdale fire officials say electric car fires take longer to put out than traditional car fires. They require multiple agencies and hazmat crews because of the potential hazards to the community. Several businesses were evacuated as a precaution.
The tow truck driver received minor injuries and was taken to a hospital. It's unclear what caused the injuries.
The southbound lanes are closed until further notice.
