San Mateo, CA - On July 14, 2026, at approximately 7:16 p.m., San Mateo Police officers responded to a solo vehicle fatality on Alameda de las Pulgas and Highway 92. Witnesses stated the vehicle, a gray Tesla, was traveling at a high rate of speed when the driver ran the red light, hit the center median causing the vehicle to go airborne before hitting a light pole and coming to rest through a chain link fence on the southeast corner of Alameda de las Pulgas, where it caught fire.
At the scene, the victim was identified as likely being the registered owner of the vehicle, an 89-year-old male. Family arrived on scene and was notified of his passing by officers and our Police Chaplain. Official confirmation will be made by the San Mateo County Coroner’s Office.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. It is unknown at this time why the driver ran the red light at a high rate of speed, but a witness stated he appeared to be unconscious when the car came to rest before it quickly became engulfed in flames. There were no other injuries. Both PG&E and the City of San Mateo Public Works responded to assess the damage to the light pole, median, et al. A tree also caught fire during the crash but was extinguished.
We are grateful to the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department for responding so quickly and battling this electric car fire as diligently as they did. It is not an easy task and takes much effort. Smoke from these types of fires is toxic, so neighbors were advised to close their windows at the time. We now suggest opening your windows to air out your homes if you reside in the surrounding area.
Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of our victim. It is never easy to lose someone unexpectedly.
Speculation into the cause of the crash or the effectiveness of the intersection is inappropriate and should be avoided. While a tragedy, this crash serves as a reminder to drive safely, obey all traffic laws, lights & signals, watch for other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians, and drive defensively.
