Monterey County, CA – On the early morning of Monday, July 28, 2025, a single-vehicle crash involving a Tesla resulted in at least one fatality when the car caught fire after colliding with a tree, according to CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the accident took place around 1:41 AM on River Road, just west of the intersection with County Road G17.
Authorities responded to an automated iPhone crash alert indicating a severe collision. Upon arrival, emergency personnel found the Tesla fully engulfed in flames on the right-hand shoulder of the roadway. Fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze while noting that a person remained inside the vehicle during the fire.
Crews from the Monterey Communications Center confirmed the vehicle was still occupied and that the driver was trapped when firefighters arrived. The electrical battery of the Tesla contributed to the intensity of the fire, which produced significant fumes and delayed recovery efforts.
The coroner was dispatched to the scene at approximately 4:52 AM, and the roadway remained closed until nearly 6:00 AM while emergency crews, tow services, and investigators conducted their work. The California Highway Patrol coordinated with local law enforcement to notify the registered owner and confirm the identity of the deceased.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Single-Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s Comparative Negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages.
