Two Urbana residents were injured in a single-vehicle crash Thursday on State Route 161 near the intersection with State Route 559, according to the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say a 2022 white Tesla was traveling eastbound on State Route 161 when it lost control and went off the left side of the roadway, striking an electrical box before re-entering the road. The vehicle then exited the right side of the roadway and collided with a tree, with the impact causing the Tesla to catch fire.
Authorities say the vehicle was operating in full automation mode at the time of the crash, and alcohol or drugs were not a factor..
The driver was identified as Scioto “Westly” Shaffner of Urbana. Jacob Burgess of Urbana was seated in the passenger seat. Both occupants sustained injuries in the crash.
Mechanicsburg EMS responded to the scene and transported both Shaffner and Burgess to Mercy Memorial Hospital in Urbana for treatment. Their conditions were not immediately available.
Shaffner was cited for failure to control.
The crash remains under investigation by the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office.
