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Tesla To Investigate Model S That Split In Half And Caught Fire After 100-Mph Chase

Giuseppe Macri Tech Editor
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Tesla Motors is eager to get its hands on the remnants of a Tesla Model S that was stolen on July 4 and led police on a 100-m.p.h. chase through Los Angeles before crashing, splitting in half and catching fire.

Entrepreneur Elon Musk’s leading electric vehicle company is investigating the incident alongside L.A. fire officials and police. The car’s battery caught fire after it hit multiple vehicles in West Hollywood and was cut in half by a light pole, according to police. The unidentified suspect was injured and arrested.

The car was reportedly stolen from a dealership or service center in western Los Angeles.

“We’ve asked to take a look at the vehicle as soon as that’s possible,” Tesla spokesman Simon Sproule told Bloomberg late Sunday. “There aren’t so many S’s involved in major crashes, and certainly not quite like this one, so we absolutely want to have a look to understand what happened.”

The company added a host of new safety features to it’s leading Model S in March to prevent battery fires after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation into several incidents. The inquiry was closed, and Tesla maintains the agency’s maximum five-star safety rating.

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