A Tesla Semi has been involved in the first known fatal crash involving the all-electric Class 8 truck, after a collision in Nevada claimed the lives of two people and left another critically injured.
The crash occurred on Sunday morning along U.S. Highway 50 in Dayton, Nevada, approximately 40 miles east of Reno. According to authorities, the Tesla Semi struck two passenger vehicles that were stopped at an intersection controlled by traffic lights.
Nevada State Police Highway Patrol confirmed that two individuals died at the scene while a third person suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to hospital.
Local publication Record-Courier identified the victims as Sergio and Jennifer Villanueva, a married couple who were stopped at the intersection when their vehicle was hit from behind by the Semi.
The driver of the Tesla Semi was not injured.
Investigators have not yet determined the exact cause of the collision, and the incident remains under investigation by the Nevada State Police Highway Patrol. However, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office said that early information gathered at the scene indicated the truck driver may have fallen asleep before the crash.
“Preliminary statements obtained at the scene suggest the driver of the semi may have fallen asleep.”
Authorities have not released the identity of the Semi driver, nor have they identified the company or individual operating the truck. No charges have been announced.
The crash appears to be the first fatal collision involving a Tesla Semi since the vehicle entered regular production earlier this year. Tesla first delivered the Semi to customers in late 2022, but series production only began at the company’s dedicated factory next to Giga Nevada in 2026.
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