The family of Krysta Tsukahara, a college student who tragically lost her life in a Cybertruck crash, has initiated legal action against Tesla. The lawsuit alleges that the design of the vehicle’s doors created a “death trap” for passengers. Tsukahara, aged 19, died alongside two other individuals when their Cybertruck collided with a tree in Piedmont, California, in November 2024.
Details of the Incident
Krysta Tsukahara was a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design. During the crash, she was seated in the backseat of the Cybertruck. Following the impact, the vehicle erupted in flames, and Tsukahara found herself unable to escape due to the malfunctioning electronic doors. The issue arose when the vehicle’s battery caught fire, leaving her trapped without access to the manual door releases, which are outlined in the Cybertruck’s owner manual.
Trapped in a Fire
The manual release mechanism requires passengers in the rear seat to:
- Remove the rubber mat from the rear door pocket.
- Pull the mechanical release cable forward.
- Push the door open.
This complicated procedure was not accessible for Tsukahara during the critical moments of the fire, according to the lawsuit.
Family’s Legal Action
The lawsuit, filed by Krysta’s parents, Carl and Noelle Tsukahara, seeks damages from Tesla, which is headed by Elon Musk. Carl Tsukahara expressed his family’s anguish over both the loss of their daughter and the circumstances that made her entrapment possible. “This company is worth a trillion dollars—how can you release a machine that’s not safe in so many ways?” he stated.
Eyewitness Accounts
Matt Riordan, a friend who witnessed the crash, attempted to rescue the victims. He reported jumping into action when he saw the Cybertruck ablaze. Although he succeeded in smashing a front window to save the front passenger, he was unable to rescue Tsukahara from the rear seat.
Other Families Affected
The lawsuit also follows a complaint from the family of Jack Nelson, another victim in the crash. Their attorney highlighted that design flaws in the Cybertruck contributed to the fatal consequences of what could have been a survivable incident. Matthew Davis, a lawyer for the Nelsons, noted, “There can be people responsible for the crash and there is a company responsible for the fact that they couldn’t get out.”
Investigation into Tesla’s Door Systems
Recent events have drawn attention to safety issues with Tesla’s electronic door mechanisms. Federal regulators are currently investigating the door handles of another Tesla model, the 2021 Model Y. The investigation focuses on the ability to open the doors manually from outside the vehicle, a situation that could pose dangers if electronic systems fail.
Concerns Over Design Safety
Tesla’s chief designer, Franz von Holzhausen, has acknowledged the need for safer door designs. He indicated that the company is actively working on modifications to improve accessibility in emergency situations. The Tsukaharas’ lawsuit claims that Tesla was aware of potential safety issues related to their electronic door systems for over a decade before the incident.
The lawsuit underscores a critical discussion about vehicle safety and the responsibility of manufacturers to ensure their products can be safely operated, even under dire circumstances. The Tsukaharas and the Nelsons seek justice for their loved ones and advocate for necessary changes in automotive design standards.
