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Autauga County Witnesses Unusual Electric Vehicle Fire After Tesla Crash

AUTAUGA COUNTY, Ala. — Authorities required an astounding 36,000 gallons of water on Monday to extinguish a vehicle fire resulting from a Tesla crash on a central Alabama interstate. The incident occurred at approximately 11:14 p.m. on Interstate 65 northwest of Montgomery, as reported by AL.com.

The Pine Level Fire Department, in a Facebook post, stated, “This was a first for Autauga County. Electric vehicle fires are unusual and present unique challenges and dangers to firefighters. These vehicles can reignite hours or days after they are first extinguished.”

When the firefighters arrived at the scene, they found a Tesla Model Y engulfed in flames, as reported by WSFA-TV. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency had already closed the highway, and fortunately, the driver had managed to escape the vehicle unharmed before the firefighters arrived.

It took over an hour to bring the blaze under control, with multiple fire engines, hose lines, water tankers, rescue vehicles, and command vehicles responding to the scene, according to AL.com.

The driver, identified as Michael Darrin Sherrill, 33, from Georgia, was arrested and taken to the Autauga County jail on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, as reported by WSFA.

Authorities emphasized the dangers of Tesla fires, which burn at temperatures exceeding 4,500 degrees Fahrenheit. The smoke produced from burning electric cars releases toxic gases such as hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen chloride, making it crucial for firefighters to wear breathing apparatuses while combating such fires, as stated by AL.com.

Sherrill’s bail has been set at $5,000, according to online records.

This incident serves as a reminder of the unique challenges faced by firefighters when dealing with electric vehicle fires, and the importance of proper training and equipment to ensure their safety and effectiveness in such situations.

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