Stolen Tesla torn apart in fiery West Hollywood crash

ASSOCIATED PRESS

10 years ago

A Hollywood street is closed during an investigation after a car crash involving a Tesla left half the remains wedged between two walls at Congregation Kol Ami synagogue, in West Hollywood, Calif., Friday, July 4, 2014. Authorities said several people were injured after a high-speed chase involving what was reported as a stolen Tesla. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy photographs the remains of a Tesla in West Hollywood, Calif. on Friday, July 4, 2014. Authorities say several people were injured after a high-speed chase involving what was reported as a stolen Tesla. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy walks past half the remains of a Tesla that wedged between two walls at Congregation Kol Ami synagogue in West Hollywood, Calif. on Friday, July 4, 2014. Authorities say several people were injured after a high-speed chase involving what was reported as a stolen Tesla. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — A stolen Tesla speeding through Los Angeles-area streets went out of control and was torn in half in a fiery crash with other vehicles that injured six people.

The crash early Friday left the back end of the electric car wedged between two walls of a synagogue in the city of West Hollywood and the front end down the street among other wrecked cars and a toppled traffic signal.

Los Angeles County sheriff’s Lt. Michael White tells KCAL-TV the Tesla is believed to have been traveling in excess of 100 mph.

Witness Francisco Estrada recorded video of burning debris exploding like fireworks.

The Tesla was reported stolen shortly before 1 a.m. in Los Angeles. Police Officer Christopher No says officers briefly gave chase until their patrol car crashed.