US auto safety agency seeks information from Tesla on fatal Cybertruck crash and fire in Texas

DETROIT– Federal safety authorities are seeking information about a crash and fire involving a Tesla Cybertruck that left the driver of the futuristic new pickup truck dead.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Wednesday that it was gathering information from Tesla. The agency has not sent crash investigators or opened a formal investigation into the crash. It did not say whether it was investigating the cause of the fire or whether the driver was using a partially automated driving system.

Messages were left Wednesday seeking comment from Tesla and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

It appears this is the first fatal accident involving the angular, stainless steel-clad truck, which went on sale Nov. 30.

KHOU-TV reported that state troopers are investigating the crash, which occurred Monday morning in the Baytown area of ​​Chambers County. The truck was traveling along a parkway when, for an unknown reason, it left the road, struck a concrete culvert and burst into flames, the station reported.

The Cybertruck was recalled twice in June to solve problems with loose trim pieces and defective windshield wipers. It has been recalled four times since its introduction.