The car was reportedly stolen from a Tesla store, initiating a high-speed chase that reached 100 mph before the Model S struck another car and slammed into multiple light poles, according to NBC Los Angeles.
The Model S was said to have been split in half by the poles, sending the back end into the corner of a synagogue entrance where it appears to have been securely wedged above the ground. The front end of the car consequently ignited, reportedly with explosion sounds that may have been caused by bursting battery cells.
“I have never seen half of a car wedged into a building before,” Sheriff Lt. Michael White told the news outlet.
The alleged thief is reportedly in critical condition, while occupants in the Honda were in serious condition. Several pursuing officers were also reportedly injured when their cruiser struck a median.
The accident adds to a handful of high-profile accidents that resulted in fire, though Tesla argues that its vehicles have a much better safety record than competing gasoline-powered models on the road. Specifically, the fire risk is said to be five times lower than the average car.
The company has nonetheless modified the Model S to include additional protections in front of the battery, with a reinforced titanium plate under the module to prevent road debris from piercing the cells.
The Model S driver in West Hollywood was ejected from the vehicle. It is unclear if they were wearing a seatbelt during the chase.
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