NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Police provided more information Thursday about a fiery crash involving a Tesla and an SUV that left one person dead in North Miami Beach on Wednesday afternoon.
Police say the Tesla’s driver, who hadn’t been publicly identified as of Thursday afternoon, was killed after becoming trapped in the burning car.
The crash happened along Northeast 163rd Street in the city’s Eastern Shores neighborhood.
Detective Corey Darden, a North Miami Beach Police Department spokesperson, said Thursday afternoon that the SUV driver “cut off the Tesla while both were traveling westbound,” causing the Tesla to collide with a pole and burst into flames.
Police didn’t specify whether the SUV driver will face any charges.
“We’re working with the Medical Examiner’s Office to confirm the identity of the deceased (Tesla driver),” Darden said.
Residents say speeding and drivers running red lights are frequent problems on the stretch of road.
Luis Aguiar, who came upon the scene as he tried to get home, described what he saw. In a video recorded by a bystander, flames engulfed the Tesla as its driver remained inside.
“And I guess they got burned inside because he couldn’t get out of the car,” Aguiar said. “Yeah, it was horrible.”
North Miami Beach police said the Tesla collided with an SUV before slamming into a utility pole. Despite efforts by first responders, the Tesla driver could not be saved.
At least two people inside the SUV suffered serious injuries.
Aguiar said dangerous driving has been a problem in the area.
“I believe it’s because when people are coming that way, they’re coming so fast that most of the time they don’t stop (at) the red,” he said. “And if anybody pulls out at this side quick, they slam them right in the middle.”
He added that this was not the first deadly crash to happen at that intersection.
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