Tesla driver dead after fiery high-speed crash in Lutz, FHP says

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Florida Highway Patrol said a man has died after a fiery crash on State Road 54 in Lutz.

The crash occurred in the area of State Road 54 and Livingston Road at about 3:45 a.m., according to troopers.

The Highway Patrol said the man was in a Tesla that was traveling westbound at a high rate of speed. He lost control of the car and went over into the eastbound lanes, where he hit a utility pole. Then the car caught fire. It’s unclear if the vehicle was on auto pilot.

The man, a 36-year-old from Wesley Chapel, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash closed all eastbound lanes of State Road 54 at Livingston Road. To get around the crash, drivers can use Collier Parkway, which becomes County Line Road to get onto Cypress Creek and back onto State Road 54.