Tysons, VA (May 21, 2026) – A multi-vehicle collision along the westbound side of Dulles Access Road in Tysons left one person hurt on Wednesday evening, May 20, after a Tesla SUV caught fire.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue said crews were called around 5 p.m. to the inner westbound lane of the roadway. When emergency units arrived, they found a white Tesla SUV surrounded by flames. One person was taken to a hospital with injuries.
The roadway shutdown affected all westbound lanes of Dulles Access Road and three lanes along Route 267 for a period of time. Traffic later resumed after crews cleared the highway and extinguished the fire. Additional details about the people involved were not released.
Investigators are continuing to examine what led to the fiery roadway collision.
We send our best wishes to the person recovering after this highway emergency.
Why Electric Vehicle Fires Can Lead to Longer Highway Closures
Electric vehicle fires often require more time to contain than fires involving gas-powered vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries can continue producing heat even after flames appear to be under control. Because of this, traffic delays are common while crews monitor the vehicle and check for possible flare-ups.
Road closures may also last longer after a highway fire because damaged pavement, guardrails, and nearby lanes sometimes need inspection before traffic can safely resume. In multi-vehicle emergencies, investigators may also review vehicle positioning, speed changes, and lane movement before the fire began.
Drivers near major highways can face sudden slowdowns after a vehicle fire, especially during evening travel hours. Congestion may continue for hours even after lanes reopen due to backed-up traffic and cleanup efforts.