Nevada couple killed in first fatal crash involving Tesla’s new electric semi-truck

Nevada couple killed in first fatal crash involving Tesla’s new electric semi-truck

A married Nevada couple were tragically killed in a horrific three-car wreck involving a new Tesla electric semi-truck — believed to be the first fatal crash involving the carmaker’s newly hyped model.

The 10-ton electric semi slammed into a vintage Volkswagen Beetle at an intersection on U.S. 50 in Dayton, NE around 7:20 a.m. on June 28, according to local authorities, Forbes reported.

The inhabitants of the Volkswagen died at the scene, according the Nevada Highway Patrol and Lyon County Sheriff’s Office.

Sergio Villaneva III and his wife Jennifer were killed in the collision involving a new Tesla semi-truck. GoFundMe

An online fundraiser identified them as Nevada locals Sergio and Jennifer Villanueva.

Tributes for the couple have poured in while the fundraiser was organized for Villanueva’s son, Sergio Villanueva IV, who was away at college in Ohio at the time of the crash.

It is believed to be the first fatal collision involving the Tesla semi-truck. REUTERS

“No child is ever prepared to lose a parent, especially so suddenly,” the fundraiser wrote.

“Sergio is currently attending college in Ohio, and our immediate priority is bringing him home to be with his family during this heartbreaking time.”

While the cause of the crash is still being probed, preliminary reports suggest the driver of the Tesla truck may have fallen asleep at the wheel, according to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office. 

The married couple were driving in their vintage Volkswagen Beetle at the time of the collision. KTVN 2 News Nevada

That driver, who has not been publicly identified, walked away from the crash unscathed. 

It is unclear if he will face criminal charges.

A second passenger vehicle was also struck and an individual from that vehicle was flown to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, the Daily Mail reported.

Tributes for the couple have followed in the aftermath of the crash. Facebook / Stefanie Villanueva

The grisly wreck took place approximately 30 miles Northwest from Tesla’s Nevada Gigafactory, where the semi — which retails for more than $250,000 — is manufactured, according to Forbes. 

The electric semi-truck has only been in regular production since the beginning of the year and it is believed that Sunday’s crash is the first fatal crash involving the Elon Musk-owned carmaker’s newest model, the outlet reported.

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office did not reply to The Post’s request for comment.

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