US transportation safety regulators said on Friday they are investigating an incident in which a new Tesla burst into flames, temporarily trapping the driver, with firefighters needing over two hours to extinguish the blaze.
The cause of the fire that scorched the Model S Plaid is still unclear, and a lawyer representing the car’s owner called for the vehicle to be taken off roads.
“This is a harrowing and frightening situation and an obvious major issue,” attorney Mark Geragos told AFP.
“Our initial investigation is ongoing, but we call on Tesla to sideline these cars until a full investigation can occur.”
His firm published a photo showing the sedan, which has a price tag of $129,990, engulfed in flames.
Tesla is yet to comment on AFP’s report.
Firefighters said the car was ablaze when first responders attended the scene in a township near Philadelphia.
They had to take special precautions due to the vehicle’s large battery, which was on fire, with “copious” amounts of water poured on the vehicle for over two hours.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration told AFP it is investigating the fire.
“If data or investigations show a problem or an inherent risk to safety exists, NHTSA will take action as appropriate to protect the public,” a representative said.
