Tesla Crash Kills Student: Parents Blame Door Design Flaw
The tragic death of a college student in a Tesla crash has prompted her parents to file a lawsuit against the automaker. They claim a design flaw in the vehicle’s door prevented their daughter from escaping as the car caught fire.
Tesla Crash Fatality: Key Details
Krysta Tsukahara, a 19-year-old arts student, was fatally injured when the Tesla she was a passenger in collided with a tree in a San Francisco suburb. The incident, caused by a driver under the influence of drugs and alcohol, resulted in the death of three out of four occupants in the vehicle.
The Lawsuit Against Tesla
The lawsuit, filed in Alameda County Superior Court, alleges that Tesla has been aware of the door design flaw for years. The parents contend that this flaw left Tsukahara trapped in the burning vehicle, surrounded by flames and smoke.
- Date of the incident: Recent (exact date not provided)
- Location: San Francisco suburb
- Victim: Krysta Tsukahara, 19 years old
- Number of fatalities: 3 out of 4 passengers
Regulatory Investigation
This legal action follows a federal investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which has been examining complaints about Tesla doors that fail to open after crashes. Drivers have reported instances where they could not access back doors to rescue their children, forcing them to break windows.
Historical Context of Safety Issues
Tesla’s cars have faced scrutiny in multiple lawsuits regarding safety flaws. In August, a jury ruled in favor of a different college student’s family, awarding them over $240 million after a prior incident involving a runaway Tesla.
Tesla has not yet provided a comment regarding this latest lawsuit. As the company continues to address safety concerns, it is imperative for the public to stay informed about potential risks associated with their vehicles.
