A driver was airlifted with major injuries after reportedly falling asleep, crashing a Tesla into a tree and overturning near Millerton Lake, where the fiery wreck sparked a 5-acre vegetation fire before being contained. (CHP)
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A driver was airlifted with major injuries after a Tesla crashed, overturned and caught fire near Millerton Lake, authorities said on Tuesday.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver reportedly fell asleep behind the wheel while traveling on Millerton Road, drifted off the roadway, struck a tree and overturned. The vehicle became fully engulfed in flames.
A State Parks employee located the driver after the crash and helped her escape the burning vehicle, carrying her through burning grass to an arriving ambulance as flames spread around the scene, CHP said.
Emergency responders treated the driver at the scene before she was airlifted to a hospital with major injuries.
The crash also ignited a vegetation fire that burned about five acres before crews contained it, according to CHP.
Authorities credited the quick actions of the State Parks employee and emergency responders with helping the driver escape the burning crash scene.
CHP reminded motorists that drowsy driving can be as dangerous as impaired driving and urged drivers to pull over if they become tired behind the wheel.
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