Apple Valley Street Racing Crash Leaves Two Injured, Tesla Engulfed in Flames
Published: October 8, 2026
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA - A high-speed street racing incident in Apple Valley caused a two-vehicle crash, multiple injuries, and a vehicle fire after one vehicle left the roadway and struck a fence near a residential property, according to a crash report obtained from the Apple Valley Police Department.
The crash occurred at approximately 12:10 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the intersection of McAndrews Road (County Road 38) and Diamond Path. Police identified excessive speed and racing as contributing factors in the collision between a 2016 Tesla Model S and a 2011 Toyota RAV4. According to the police report, the Tesla was traveling eastbound on McAndrews Road while racing another vehicle at high speed. As the vehicles approached Diamond Path, the Toyota RAV4 was attempting to turn left from northbound Diamond Path onto westbound McAndrews Road.
Investigators reported that the Toyota's driver did not see traffic approaching from either direction on McAndrews Road before proceeding into the intersection. At the same time, both eastbound vehicles were reportedly traveling at excessive speeds. According to the crash report, one of the racing vehicles narrowly avoided colliding with the Toyota. However, the Tesla could not avoid the SUV and struck it at a right angle.
Tesla Leaves Roadway, Strikes Fence, and Catches Fire
Following the initial collision, the Tesla continued traveling eastbound before leaving the roadway to the right. Police reported that the Tesla struck a light pole before continuing off the roadway and crashing into a fence near a residential property in the 12000 block of Ethelton Way. Shortly after the collision, the Tesla caught fire. The 35-year-old male driver escaped the vehicle before the fire spread, according to the police report.
Investigators documented severe damage to the Tesla and described the vehicle as a total loss. The Toyota RAV4 also sustained severe damage. Dick's Towing towed both vehicles from the scene. The crash also damaged public and private property. The report identifies a damaged light pole, a chain-link fence, and burned trees near the crash location.
The police report does not specify the extent of the fire or how long it burned, but Apple Valley Fire responded to the scene and extinguished it. We are working to obtain photos from the scene and will add them to this story if and when we can.
Two People Injured in Collision
According to the Apple Valley Police Department, two people sustained injuries in the collision, including the Tesla driver and a passenger inside the Toyota RAV4. The Tesla driver sustained facial and abdominal injuries. Police reported that he was transported to a hospital by family members following the crash.
A female passenger seated in the second-row left seat of the Toyota sustained injuries during the impact and complained of neck and back pain. She was transported by Allina Health EMS to Fairview Ridges Hospital for further evaluation and treatment. The crash report classified both individuals' injuries as suspected minor injuries. The 56-year-old male driver of the Toyota and another male passenger seated in the front passenger seat were listed as having no apparent injuries.
All four occupants were reportedly wearing lap and shoulder seat belts. The report also indicates that the Tesla's front airbags deployed, while the Toyota's curtain airbags deployed. No fatalities were reported.
Police Identify Racing and Excessive Speed as Contributing Factors
The crash report specifically identifies racing and excessive speed as contributing factors involving the Tesla driver. The Toyota driver, meanwhile, was listed as having no contributing action, despite the narrative indicating that he did not observe approaching traffic before entering the intersection.
Police did not document any suspected alcohol or drug impairment involving either driver. The report also indicates that both drivers held valid Minnesota driver's licenses at the time of the collision. Weather and roadway conditions did not appear to contribute. Investigators documented clear weather, daylight conditions, and a dry roadway.
The police report does not estimate the speed of either racing vehicle or identify the driver of the second vehicle reportedly involved in the racing activity.
Investigation and Potential Charges
Although investigators identified racing and excessive speed as contributing factors, the crash report does not indicate whether citations were issued or criminal charges are being pursued against either driver. The report also does not indicate whether authorities identified or located the second vehicle reportedly involved in the racing incident. Based on the information in the crash report, no additional details were provided about the extent of the victims' injuries or their condition after treatment.
Limitless Media News has reached out to the Apple Valley Police Department requesting additional information regarding the investigation, including whether any citations or criminal charges are being considered in connection with the crash. We also asked whether investigators have identified or located the driver of the second vehicle reportedly involved in the street racing. We will provide additional updates as authorities provide more information.
Source: Apple Valley Police Department, Minnesota Department of Public Safety Motor Vehicle Crash Report, dated October 4, 2026. The report includes the investigating officer's narrative, vehicle and occupant information, documented contributing factors, property damage information, and a crash diagram.
Crash diagram from the Apple Valley Police Department crash report.
Written by: Will Wight
