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Driver dies after Tesla Cybertruck slams into culvert, bursts into flames in Baytown area, DPS says

DPS said State Troopers have not been able to identify the driver due to severe burns.

CHAMBERS COUNTY, Texas — State troopers are investigating a deadly crash involving a Tesla Cybertruck in the Baytown area early Monday morning.

It happened just after 1:45 a.m. on Fisher Road near the Grand Parkway.

Troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety said the Cybertruck driver was heading west on Cedar Parkway when the vehicle left the roadway near Fisher Road for an unknown reason.

The Cybertruck hit a concrete culvert and went up in flames, DPS said.

The driver died at the scene, DPS said. They have not been identified due to severe burns.

DPS also said they could not identify the license plate or VIN due to the fire.

Automotive industry reporter David Tracy told KHOU 11 News that this incident is possibly the first fatal crash involving the Cybertruck.

Tracy said these types of fires need to be handled differently by first responders.

"My sincerest condolences to the family of whoever was in that vehicle. From a flammability standpoint, EVs are not a significantly, more likely type of vehicle to catch fire. With that said the way electric vehicles combust is different," Tracy said.

The National Transportation Safety Bureau has investigated Tesla crashes in the past but said it has not yet been called in to look into this wreck.

Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it's aware of the crash and fire and is getting additional information from Tesla.

We've reached out to Tesla for comment, but haven't heard back.

If you're not familiar with Tesla Cybertrucks, here's a file photo of what they look like:

Credit: AP
A Tesla Cybertruck is on display at the Tesla showroom in Buena Park, Calif. on Sunday Dec. 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

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