Driver killed after Tesla crashes into tree, catches fire on Highway 17
Updated: 1:57 PM PST Dec 19, 2025
The California Highway Patrol says a person died after crashing their vehicle into a tree and catching fire early Friday morning.The crash was reported just after midnight at 12:36 a.m. on Highway 17 south of Lark Avenue.The crash involved a single occupant in a Tesla Model 3, which, for an unknown reason, veered off the right shoulder, down an embankment, and into a tree, according to a CHP spokesperson.The Tesla then caught fire and was engulfed in flames with the driver inside, CHP said.It is unknown whether Tesla’s autonomous capabilities were activated at the time of the crash. It is also unknown whether drugs or alcohol were factors.All lanes have reopened, CHP said.See more coverage of top Central Coast stories | Download our app / Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
LOS GATOS, Calif. —
The California Highway Patrol says a person died after crashing their vehicle into a tree and catching fire early Friday morning.
The crash was reported just after midnight at 12:36 a.m. on Highway 17 south of Lark Avenue.
The crash involved a single occupant in a Tesla Model 3, which, for an unknown reason, veered off the right shoulder, down an embankment, and into a tree, according to a CHP spokesperson.
The Tesla then caught fire and was engulfed in flames with the driver inside, CHP said.
It is unknown whether Tesla’s autonomous capabilities were activated at the time of the crash. It is also unknown whether drugs or alcohol were factors.
All lanes have reopened, CHP said.
See more coverage of top Central Coast stories | Download our app / Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel