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'Scary to see.' Neighbors shocked by fatal Tesla crash into White Plains building

White Plains Public Works crews were on the scene Tuesday to repair parts of the road damaged by the explosion and fire.

Jonathan Gordon

Sep 17, 2024, 4:36 PM

Updated 94 days ago

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A bouquet is tied to a tree on Tuesday just feet from where two women were killed in a car crash in White Plains yesterday morning.
It's the same tree police said the Tesla hit after it jumped the curb and then slammed into the apartment building at 295 Battle Ave.
Ron Williams' family lives in the unit that was most seriously damaged.
"[My daughter] went to work just 15 minutes before and my grandson is in college, so thank God he wasn't there," he said.
The crash led to the car exploding and a massive fire.
Neighbors who witnessed the aftermath felt heartbroken for the two victims and their families.
"It's just kind of scary to see what happened and we walk outside every day, we walk around, and just to see and hear what happened it's pretty sad," White Plains resident Yesica Genis said.
Police said Millie Ortiz Sheehan, 70, and her daughter-in-law Diana Trochez Sheehan, 36, were killed in the crash.
Millie is the wife of Greenburgh Town Councilman Francis Sheehan and Diana is married to a Scarsdale Fire Captain, also named Francis Sheehan.
Investigators said the pair had just dropped off Diana's two kids at day care when they were heading down the hill when the crash occurred. It's unclear whether speed was a factor or if the crash resulted from user or vehicle error.
Those who live and work in the area said speeding and reckless driving are common along the road despite there being a four-way stop sign at the top of the hill.
"This was a big impact, so she was doing substantial speed," property owner Bob Kraus said. "Whether it was her fault or whether it was the car's fault, I'm not an investigator."
The investigation into what caused the crash is ongoing.