Three people died after an electric vehicle hit a tree and caught fire on Serrano Parkway in El Dorado Hills on Saturday, Sept. 12. A fourth person was taken to a hospital for treatment of their injuries.

The California Highway Patrol logged the crash at approximately 10:38 p.m. on westbound Serrano Parkway between Terracina Drive and Silva Valley Parkway, Fox 40 reported. The vehicle struck a tree and was engulfed in fire.

El Dorado Hills Fire Department crews responded at approximately 10:40 p.m., about two minutes after the CHP dispatch log entry. Fire Chief Mike Lilienthal said the department deployed fire, rescue, water supply, emergency medical and command resources to the scene.

"Firefighters worked under extremely difficult conditions to control the vehicle fire, provide emergency medical care and manage hazards associated with the damaged electric vehicle battery," Lilienthal said, according to Village Life.

Three people were pronounced dead. Fire officials said the tree impact caused the car fire.

The crash involved a single electric vehicle. Lilienthal said the vehicle's lithium-ion battery system sustained significant damage during the collision and fire. Firefighters took additional precautions because of hazards posed by the damaged high-voltage battery components. Electric vehicle battery fires can present unique challenges for responders, including the risk of thermal runaway and toxic fumes from damaged cells.

No details about the victims have been released. The make and model of the vehicle have not been confirmed, though Fox 40 video footage showed a white car in flames at the scene.

The cause and circumstances of the crash remain under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. No CHP spokesperson has commented publicly, and no press release had been issued as of Sunday, Sept. 13.

Lilienthal also recognized the firefighters, paramedics, law enforcement officers and other responders who worked at the scene under what he called very challenging circumstances.

Anyone with information about the crash can contact the California Highway Patrol.