Six Tesla Model Ys Engulf In Flames In Turkey

Late-Night Blaze Engulfs Six Tesla Model Ys on Trailer in Turkey

In a shocking incident that unfolded in the dead of night, a trailer carrying six Tesla Model Ys went up in flames, causing firefighters to scramble and battle the raging inferno. The incident occurred at approximately 02:30 AM in Turkey, leaving behind a charred wreckage that once held the electric vehicles.

İstanbul, Tuzla'da içlerinde Tesla Model Y'nin de bulunduğu araç yüklü tır alev aldı. Yangın, Tesla veya diğer elektrikli araçların birinden çıktı. #Tesla pic.twitter.com/GewWCJ8Hyz

— Metin Yasir Akpınar (@MtnAKPINAR) October 6, 2023

Investigation Underway as Flames Spread to All Cars

The fire originated in one of the Teslas but quickly spread to engulf all six vehicles being transported out of Istanbul. The exact cause of the blaze remains unknown, prompting an ongoing investigation. The driver promptly alerted the authorities, including the police and fire department, as reported by local sources. Witnesses described an explosion, with the rearmost vehicle catching fire first.

Dramatic Footage Reveals Firefighters Battling Thermal Runaway

A video captured by an eyewitness and shared online showcases the devastating aftermath of the fire. The footage reveals the blackened ruins of the six Model Ys, while brave firefighters work tirelessly to extinguish the flames. However, their efforts were met with challenges as the phenomenon of thermal runaway caused the fire to persist uncontrollably, reigniting repeatedly.

Extinguishing the Flames and Unusable Vehicles

It took an hour for the firefighters to finally extinguish the flames, but unfortunately, the vehicles were deemed "unusable" due to the extensive damage caused by the fire. Addressing the risk of thermal runaway, some companies have explored solutions such as submerging fire-damaged EVs in massive water tanks to cool them down and prevent reignition. Other innovative approaches, like the injection of water at the cell level, are being explored by fire solutions company Rosenbauer.

Turkey's Growing EV Market and Tesla's Presence

Turkey has emerged as a promising market for Tesla, with the American EV maker delivering its first Model Y in May 2023. The brand has gained significant interest in the country, with an estimated 8,000 deliveries by the end of September and over 10,000 expected by October. Tesla CEO Elon Musk even met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in New York City, discussing potential collaboration with Turkish suppliers and considering the country for a future factory.

Evaluating Fire Risks in Electric Vehicles

This incident serves as a stark reminder that fire risks continue to pose challenges in the electric vehicle industry, even for leading players like Tesla. However, it's important to note that data from the US government indicates that gas cars and hybrids are more prone to catching fire compared to EVs. In 2020, there were significantly fewer EV fires per 100,000 vehicles sold compared to hybrid and internal combustion engine (ICE) fires. While the latest data may reveal a different trend due to the growing share of EVs in the market, it highlights the need for ongoing research and safety measures to mitigate fire risks in all types of vehicles.

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