Sunnyvale, California – Several homes in Sunnyvale were temporarily evacuated Monday morning after a vehicle slammed into a residence, rupturing a natural gas line and prompting an emergency response, authorities confirmed.
Crash Sparks Gas Emergency
According to the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS), the incident occurred around 9:45 a.m. in the 700 block of Winstead Court. A Tesla vehicle crashed directly into a home, damaging the structure and causing a natural gas leak in the area.
Emergency crews quickly responded, evacuating nearby homes as a safety precaution while utility workers assessed the gas line.
In an update just before 11 a.m., DPS confirmed that PG&E successfully mitigated the gas leak, reducing the immediate risk to the neighborhood.
Residents Allowed to Return
After the gas leak was secured, DPS said that all evacuated residents—except those living in the impacted home—were permitted to return to their houses. The residence struck by the vehicle sustained significant damage and remained off-limits while investigators continued their work.
Homeowner Describes Narrow Escape
The homeowner, Vadim Allayey, described a terrifying moment inside the house when the crash occurred.
“I was sitting at a table and praying when I heard a loud noise,” Allayey said. “I just saw a lot of rubble flying everywhere.”
He said the Tesla crashed through the wall and nearly struck him, but he was not injured in the incident.
Driver Hospitalized With Minor Injuries
Investigators said the 46-year-old woman driving the Tesla was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. Authorities noted that she lives in the neighborhood.
DPS officials stated that drugs or alcohol are not suspected as contributing factors, though the investigation into what caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle is still ongoing.
School Safety Clarification
Initially, DPS reported that a nearby school was being evacuated. However, officials later clarified that the school was placed under a temporary shelter-in-place order, which was lifted once the situation was deemed safe.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash, including vehicle speed and possible mechanical or medical factors. No additional injuries were reported.
Residents with concerns about gas safety or structural damage were advised to contact local authorities or utility providers for further assistance.
