1 dead in Modesto crash near 4th and K streets, police say
MODESTO – A woman died in a major crash in Modesto on Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.
In an update Wednesday, police said a woman driving a white Tesla traveling west on K Street shortly before 12:30 p.m. Tuesday when she was involved in a crash at the 6th Street intersection. But the Tesla continued west, eventually losing control at the 4th Street intersection.
Ring video obtained by CBS13 shows a white Tesla and its driver appearing to lose control after hitting a divot in the road.
The video also shows the Tesla briefly airborne moments before police said it crashed into a tree on South Washington Street.
A neighbor told CBS13 that, upon hearing a loud bang, they rushed to the scene to try and help the driver.
"I really wasn't thinking. It was just instinct," said neighbor Juan Oranday.
Oranday said he witnessed the Tesla crash into the parked car just outside his home.
After running up to it he found a mangled car with a person still in the driver's seat, who he says was not alert.
"I tried my best. I wish I was quicker for them," Oranday said. "It just shows that life is valuable and seconds really do matter."
He and other neighbors tried to cut the driver from their seatbelt and free them from the inflated airbag when the car quickly caught fire.
"The smoke went immediately to my face. The flames engulfed everything so quickly it was just tragic," Oranday said.
Oranday had to be taken to the hospital himself to be checked out but is OK.
Fires involving Teslas often are complicated by the car's electric battery. It is why HAZMAT crews responded quickly Tuesday alongside Modesto Fire.
"Then, I came out and I seen the black smoke, the flames. Then, I seen when they took the body out," said neighbor Tina Rosas.
The driver's body was recovered after the fire was put out. That person has not yet been identified by Modesto police.
The shell of the Tesla was taken away in a dumpster and the parked vehicle it struck was towed away Tuesday evening.
"I think it's sad, real sad," said neighbor Sandie Lopez.
Before the Tesla lost control and crashed on 4th Street, a CBS Sacramento crew member was involved in a collision with the vehicle at 6th and K. Our crew member is OK.
Modesto police are still investigating the circumstances of the crash.
