Tesla 'suddenly combusts' as battery compartment goes up in flames

A Tesla Model S caught fire while it was being driven on a highway near Sacramento over the weekend, officials said as per reports. 

The Metro Fire of Sacramento reported that the car's battery compartment ignited just before 4:00 pm (local time) on eastbound Highway 50.

According to fire officials, the vehicle was moving at freeway speeds when the sudden combustion took place, with nothing unusual happening prior to the incident.

When firefighters arrived at the scene, the Tesla was fully engulfed in flames.

To extinguish the fire, about 6,000 gallons of water were used as the vehicle's battery cells continued to combust. Firefighters used jacks to lift the car, allowing them to access its underside and extinguish and cool the battery.

No injuries were reported in the incident.

Crews arrived to a Tesla Model S engulfed in flames, nothing unusual prior. 2 Fire Engines, a water tender, and a ladder truck were requested to assist. Crews used jacks to access the underside to extinguish and cool the battery. Thousands of gallons were used in extinguishment. pic.twitter.com/5dIXxo9hP5

— Metro Fire of Sacramento (@metrofirepio) January 29, 2023

Tesla has not released a statement on the incident.