A Tesla Semi crashed and its battery caught fire on Interstate 80 near Emigrant Gap, California, on August 19, 2024. The driver was uninjured, but crews used about 50,000 gallons of water and monitored the batteries before recovery. The public NTSB account does not report firefighter toxic-smoke injuries in this Semi incident. A separate NIOSH report about firefighters exposed to smoke involved a Tesla Model 3 crash in 2025.
What happened to the Tesla Semi?
At about 3:13 a.m. PDT on August 19, 2024, a 2024 Tesla Semi battery-electric truck-tractor was traveling east on I-80 near Emigrant Gap in Placer County, California. The truck left the roadway on a right-hand curve and uphill grade, struck a traffic delineator and a tree, continued down an earthen slope, and came to rest against other trees. Its lithium-ion battery system ignited after the roadway departure. The driver, a Tesla employee, was uninjured. The truck was traveling from Livermore, California, to a Tesla facility in Sparks, Nevada. The NTSB’s preliminary incident account says the investigation is ongoing and its information is subject to change.
How responders managed the fire and recovery
The California Highway Patrol, CAL FIRE, and Caltrans responded. Tesla also sent a technical expert to assist with high-voltage hazards and fire safety. Crews used about 50,000 gallons of water to extinguish the flames and cool the batteries. They measured air quality and used a thermal scanner to track battery temperatures. CAL FIRE applied fire retardant by aircraft to the immediate area as a precaution against the fire spreading into nearby forest.
Both directions of I-80 were closed while crews dealt with the fire and recovery risks: westbound for roughly 14 hours and eastbound for roughly 15 hours. The Semi was moved to an open-air facility and monitored for 24 hours. The NTSB account reports that no battery reignition was observed during that monitoring period; it does not establish what happened after those 24 hours.
#1 Best Overall
- Boy's model toy car: The body is made of alloy material, with exquisite paint craftsmanship and good durability.
- Realistic alloy model car: The 1:32 interior decoration is realistic, with six doors that can be opened. The steering wheel and seats have simulated designs.
- Toy car with lights and music: Opening the car door can light up the lights and simulate the sound of an engine starting. It's a toy car that boys like.
- Companion to Decoration and Cake Decorations: It plays a great decorative role on display cabinets at home and is a great decoration for boys' birthday cake parties.
- Gift selection for toy cars for boys aged 3-12: This gift is suitable for children aged 3 and above and is a collectible for car enthusiasts.
Was this the Tesla fire in which firefighters were injured by smoke?
No. The firefighter exposure report concerns a different vehicle and a different crash. NIOSH report F2025-11 describes a Tesla Model 3 that struck a tree in a residential neighborhood on April 11, 2025, and whose battery entered thermal runaway. Five firefighters sought medical care after exposure to the smoke plume. At the time of NIOSH’s spring 2026 investigation, four remained unable to return to duty because of ongoing symptoms. NIOSH’s report does not describe the 2024 Semi crash.
The NTSB’s public account of the Semi incident says air quality was measured, but it does not report toxic-exposure injuries or characterize the response as a hazmat response. Those details should not be inferred from the separate Model 3 case.
Rank #2
- Made of zinc alloy with ABS plastic parts
- 5.9 inch x 2.2 inch x 1.8 inch(size)
- The two sides of doors could be opened,front and back covercould be opened too
- You can pull back the car,then it can move forwards with Lights and Sound
- Very suitable as children 4 years and up toys for birthday,Christmas gift, new year. Also it can be a gift for your boyfriend
What is known about the cause?
The available NTSB account is preliminary, not a final determination of probable cause. It describes the roadway departure, crash, and subsequent battery fire, but the investigation remains open. The truck had advanced driver-assistance systems, but the NTSB says those systems were not operational and could not be engaged at the time. The incident account does not establish why the truck left the roadway.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Made of zinc alloy with ABS plastic parts
- 5.9 inch x 2.2 inch x 1.8 inch(size)
- The two sides of doors could be opened,front and back covercould be opened too
- You can pull back the car,then it can move forwards with Lights and Sound
- Very suitable as children 4 years and up toys for birthday,Christmas gift, new year. Also it can be a gift for your boyfriend
Rank #4
- Made of zinc alloy with ABS plastic parts
- 5.9 inch x 2.2 inch x 1.8 inch(size)
- The two sides of doors could be opened,front and back covercould be opened too
- You can pull back the car,then it can move forwards with Lights and Sound
- Very suitable as children 4 years and up toys for birthday,Christmas gift, new year. Also it can be a gift for your boyfriend
Rank #3
- ❄️ All-Weather Durable Body – Made with cold-resistant & impact-proof pvc materials, this boys pickup toy truck is perfect for winter play and holiday gifts!
- 🔋 2 Rechargeable Batteries + Extra Charging Cables – Remote control car can Enjoy up to 1 hour of playtime without frequent battery swaps. (Includes 2x 400mAh batteries + 2 USB cables for convenience!)
- ⚡ High-Speed RC Trucks Thrills (18 KM/H!) – Front-wheel drive for stable racing fun, ideal for kids aged 3+ to compete safely.
- 💡 Cool Adjustable LED Lights – This rc cars for kids is customize multicolor light modes and unique design for an epic nighttime driving experience!
- 👶 Kid-Friendly Ergonomic Remote – Designed for small hands with a comfortable grip, making steering easy & fun!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
