Fatal Crash Of A Tesla Causes Fatal Fire In Columbia County

LIVINGSTON, NY — A house fire that was caused by a fatal car crash is under investigation in Columbia County.

The New York State Police said troopers were sent around 1 a.m. Thursday to a home on Route 9 in the town of Livingston for a fire.

One of the two occupants in the house was able to escape the flames before first responders arrived and was later taken to Albany Medical Center by Northern Dutchess Paramedics.

The second occupant — Peter E. Lasher, 81 — was found dead inside the home, police said.

While firefighters were putting out the blaze, a car was found to have struck the home. The car contained one person who was dead, according to law enforcement.

Police said the initial investigation determined that the 2022 Tesla Model X was traveling at a high rate of speed south on Route 9 and left the roadway.

The car struck a tree and then the home before causing the fire.

The occupant of the Tesla has not yet been positively identified, police said Wednesday.

Clermont, Taghkanic, Germantown, Greenport, Claverack, Ancram and Mellenville fire departments all responded to the scene.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and will be updated as new information becomes available.