ARIZONA NEWS

Nikola suspects foul play in electric semi-truck fires at Phoenix headquarters

Jun 23, 2023, 6:31 AM | Updated: 8:56 am

PHOENIX — Nikola Motor suspects foul play after several electric semi-trucks caught fire Friday morning outside the company’s Phoenix headquarters.

The Phoenix and Tempe fire departments responded to reports of a structure fire near 40th Street and Broadway Road a little after 5 a.m., the Phoenix Fire Department said.

Hazardous materials crews were called in when firefighters found four trucks burning.

“Foul play is suspected as a vehicle was seen in the area of the affected trucks just prior to the incident and an investigation is underway,” the company said on Twitter.

Phoenix Fire Capt. Todd Keller told KTAR News 92.3 FM crews were working to cool down the trucks’ batteries, which “burn very hot.”

Motorists were advised to avoid the area.

“Right now, our main concern is preventing more semi-trucks from catching on fire,” Keller said.

“As far as it comes to how we’re going to get full extinguishment, that will be determined later by hazardous material crews along with Nikola representatives.”

The investigation into the cause is ongoing.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Patricia Valencia contributed to this report.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

election results...

Kevin Stone

Arizona Legislature sends bill to speed up election results to Gov. Hobbs

The Arizona Legislature on Thursday sent a bill designed to speed up election results to the desk of Gov. Katie Hobbs, who has indicated she would veto it.

10 minutes ago

A lottery ticket from an Avondale Fry's won $50,000 in a recent Powerball drawing....

Kevin Stone

Lottery ticket from West Valley supermarket wins $50,000 in Powerball

A lottery ticket purchased at an Avondale supermarket won $50,000 in Wednesday’s Powerball drawing.

1 hour ago

vaccinating chickens egg prices...

Kevin Stone

Arizona egg farmer wants to vaccinate chickens from bird flu, but government won’t allow it

A prominent Arizona egg farmer says vaccinating chickens from the bird flu would lower prices, but the federal government won’t allow it.

2 hours ago

Valley events calendar...

KTAR.com

Valley events calendar: Here’s a rundown of things to do around metro Phoenix

Our Valley events calendar keeps you up to date on the wide variety of activities across the Phoenix area.

4 hours ago

The evacuation order for the Brady Fire was lifte on Wednesday....

KTAR.com

Evacuation order lifted for residents near Brady Fire south of Prescott

The evacuation order for a community threatened by the Brady Fire south of Prescott was lifted on Wednesday evening, authorities said.

6 hours ago

off-road vehicle crash...

Kevin Stone

2nd teen in off-road vehicle crash at Phoenix canal has died

The second teen involved in an off-road vehicle crash at a Phoenix canal last week has died, authorities announced Wednesday.

7 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

The UPS Store

How The UPS Store is giving back to the community

PHOENIX -- As 2024 nears a close, The UPS Store is looking to give back to the Arizona community with the holiday season approaching.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

Nikola suspects foul play in electric semi-truck fires at Phoenix headquarters