Photo AFR
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Emergency crews responded early Thursday morning after a vehicle crashed into a home in northeast Albuquerque, prompting concerns tied to an electric vehicle battery.
Albuquerque Fire Rescue says the call came in just before 3 a.m. to the 4000 block of Lara Avenue Northeast. When crews arrived, they found a vehicle had driven into a residence, with smoke coming from the garage area.
Officials say the vehicle involved was an electric vehicle, and the smoke was coming from its battery pack. Firefighters quickly deployed a hose line to control the situation, while another crew searched the home to make sure no one was inside.
Crews then worked with a tow operator to lift the vehicle, allowing them to cool the battery from underneath. Officials say that step is critical in preventing what’s known as thermal runaway—a chain reaction in lithium-ion batteries that can be difficult to stop.
The driver was evaluated at the scene. No other injuries were reported.
Albuquerque police are investigating the cause of the crash.
