Tesla Semi Fire Near Nyack Closes I-80

A Tesla Semi-truck caught fire after veering off Interstate 80 near Nyack, California early on August 19, leading to a significant highway closure and traffic diversions. The fire, caused by the truck's lithium-ion batteries, released toxic fumes, prompting authorities to establish a large safety perimeter and advise against driving with open windows. Firefighters, unable to extinguish the blaze due to the chemical nature of the fire, opted to let it burn out while preventing its spread to nearby vegetation. The incident has reignited debates about the safety of electric vehicles, with experts noting that the large battery size in commercial EVs poses unique firefighting challenges. There were no reported injuries, and the cause of the crash is under investigation. As of the latest reports, efforts to fully reopen the highway were still ongoing.