Three people died and a fourth was hospitalized Saturday night after an electric vehicle crashed into a tree in El Dorado Hills. The El Dorado Hills Fire Department responded around 10:30 p.m. to westbound Serrano Parkway, east of Terracina Drive, and found the vehicle on fire. According to the fire department, the impact damaged the car’s lithium-ion battery, which sparked the blaze. Three occupants died at the scene, and the fourth was taken to an area hospital.
The crash highlights a growing challenge for fire crews across the Sacramento region and beyond. Lithium-ion battery fires burn differently than gasoline fires. They can burn hotter, require far more water to cool, and may reignite hours after crews think the fire is out. As EV adoption climbs in communities like El Dorado Hills, Folsom, and Roseville, first responders are adapting their tactics and their equipment to match.
What we don’t know yet is why the crash happened. The cause remains under investigation, and authorities have not released the names of those involved. Serrano Parkway is a familiar route for many residents in the area, which makes this loss feel especially close to home for the El Dorado Hills community. Our thoughts are with the families and with the first responders who worked the scene. What questions do you have about EV safety in our area? Let us know.
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
