by Piedmont, CA – A devastating crash involving a Tesla Cybertruck in Piedmont, California, last November has resulted in multiple fatalities and raised urgent safety questions about the vehicle’s door design. The incident tragically claimed the life of 19-year-old college student Krysta Tsukahara, who was burned alive after becoming trapped inside the Cybertruck when its doors malfunctioned following the crash.
The crash that occurred in the early morning hours on November 27, 2024, not only killed Tsukahara but also claimed the lives of two others, including the driver. The families have since filed wrongful death lawsuits against Tesla, alleging negligent safety features contributed directly to the fatalities.
The Fatal Crash and Door Malfunction
Krysta Tsukahara, along with two other college students, was involved in a fiery crash when the Tesla Cybertruck struck a retaining wall and a tree, igniting intense flames. While Tsukahara reportedly survived the initial impact and remained fully conscious, she was unable to escape because the vehicle lost power, disabling the electronic door release system.
- The Cybertruck doors operate via a 12-volt battery that can fail if the vehicle loses power.
- Manual door release mechanisms are reportedly difficult to find and use.
- The lawsuit described the vehicle as a “deathtrap” due to the door system failure.
“It’s just a horror story. Tesla knows that it’s happened and that it’s going to happen, and they are doing nothing but selling the car with a system that entraps people and doesn’t provide a way of extraction,” said attorney Roger Dreyer, representing the Tsukahara family.
Legal Actions and Safety Allegations
The lawsuits filed in Alameda County Superior Court accuse Tesla of a “conscious disregard” for consumer safety due to known issues with its electronic doors. They cite more than 30 publicized cases of similar door malfunctions in Tesla vehicles. The legal action alleges the Cybertruck’s high-tech, handleless doors lack a functional and conspicuous manual release fail-safe, increasing risks during emergencies.
Another wrongful death lawsuit has been filed by the parents of Jack Nelson, a 20-year-old victim in the same crash, also naming Tesla as a defendant. Both suits are seeking punitive damages against the electric vehicle manufacturer.
Background and Wider Safety Concerns
The Cybertruck, launched with great fanfare in November 2023, has faced multiple recalls and a decline in sales amid growing safety concerns. In September 2024, Tesla came under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after complaints that some vehicle doors wouldn’t open, forcing parents to break windows to free children.
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It’s important to note that the California Highway Patrol noted the presence of substances affecting the victims and cited impaired driving and speeding as factors. Yet, experts and legal counsel argue this does not absolve Tesla from responsibility:
“This vehicle absolutely should not have entombed these individuals and my clients’ daughter. It’s our way of holding the wrongdoer accountable and correcting bad conduct,” attorney Dreyer stated.
For more details on this developing story, see the original report from the New York Post.
What This Means for Tesla and Consumers
This tragedy highlights the critical importance of accessible emergency exits in electric vehicles, especially those reliant on advanced electronic systems. The lawsuits may push Tesla to rethink design and safety protocols to prevent future entrapments.
- Improved manual door release systems may be necessary.
- Consumers and regulators will likely scrutinize Tesla safety features more rigorously.
- Ongoing investigations could result in further recalls or design changes.
Join the Conversation
What do you think about the safety issues raised by this tragic incident involving the Tesla Cybertruck? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion on how vehicle safety should be improved.
