ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - On Wednesday, Aug. 26, at approximately 5:38 a.m., the California Highway Patrol (CHP) received a report of a traffic crash involving a Farm Tractor and a 2015 Tesla Model S on Kammerer Road eastbound, east of Lent Ranch Parkway. Officers from the Elk Grove Police Department and the CHP responded to the scene.

The preliminary investigation indicates that a solo female driver, who has not yet been identified, was traveling east on Kammerer Road, east of Lent Ranch Parkway, in a Tesla Model S when her vehicle crashed into the rear of the farm tractor traveling in the same direction and occupied by a single driver. Following the crash, the Tesla caught fire. The driver of the Tesla was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency personnel. The driver of the farm tractor did not report any injuries.

Fire personnel extinguished the vehicle fire, and the roadway was closed to traffic from approximately 5:38 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. while crews cleared the scene and CHP officers conducted the investigation.

It is unknown, as of press time, whether the Tesla was operating in an autonomous or driver-assist mode at the time of the crash. 

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.   

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has additional information is encouraged to contact the CHP South Sacramento Area at 916-897-5600.