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Tesla car fire kills 4 in France

Accident happened outside the French city of Niort, causing the deaths of the driver and three passengers

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The Tesla logo. On Saturday, four people were killed in France when a Tesla electric car caught fire for reasons not yet determined. Photo: Reuters

Four people were killed in western France late on Saturday when a Tesla electric car caught fire for reasons not yet determined, prosecutors said on Sunday.

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The accident happened outside the city of Niort, causing the deaths of the driver and three passengers who were employees at a restaurant in nearby Melle, according to a source close to police.

“An inquiry has been opened to determine the causes and circumstances of the deadly accident, a probe during which expertise on the vehicle will be requested,” a local judge told Agence France-Presse.

According to preliminary reports, the vehicle rammed into several road signs at high speed.

The passengers on board were already dead when rescuers arrived at the scene, police said.

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Tesla, founded by the billionaire CEO Elon Musk, has frequently faced scrutiny over safety issues.
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