‘Toxic fumes’ spewing from burning Tesla Semi’s batteries on I-80

A major road closure occurred on Monday morning on I-80 in the Sierra Nevada after an electric semi truck caught fire.

The crash was reported around 3:15 a.m. on August 19 near Emigrant Gap, east of Nyack, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

A Tesla Semi was reportedly traveling on eastbound I-80 when it went off the interstate and crashed into a wooded area.

The electric truck caught fire following the crash.

It isn’t clear what caused the Tesla Semi to crash or whether anyone was hurt.

KCRA reports that I-80 is closed in both directions for a half-mile from the crash site due to concerns about the inhalation danger caused by toxic fumes coming from the burning batteries in the Tesla Semi.

According to CHP-Gold Run, “All Big rigs are being turned WB at NV State line and EB at Applegate.”