A Tesla Model 3 has been destroyed after falling down a 40-foot embankment in southwest Portland, Oregon.
KPTV Fox 12 Oregon reports that the driver of the electric vehicle may have suffered some kind of medical emergency, possibly a seizure, before the Tesla plummeted off the edge of an embankment and crashed down into the outdoor play area of a children’s day care center.
According to local media, those who witnessed the crash quickly came to the aid of the man, helping him out of the vehicle. Remarkably, he didn’t suffer any serious injuries. What’s also particularly fortunate is that the crash occurred early in the morning before any children were at the day care facility. If the crash occurred later in the day, there could have been multiple fatalities.
“Just the thought of it being, you know, right where I see kids every day, running and screaming and laughing and waving to their parents as their parents walk by to pick them up,” a local said. “You know, I’m so grateful that this happened before the kids were out here playing because that would have been devastating and I’m thankful that everybody seems to be okay.”
A small fire within the Tesla’s powertrain broke out as a tow company was trying to remove the vehicle from its precarious position resting on its side. This fire was quickly contained and footage shows that the Model 3 suffered extensive damage from the fall, including a smashed windshield and crumpled front end.