The parents of Krysta Tsukahara, a college student tragically killed in a Tesla crash, have filed a lawsuit against the company. They contend that a significant design flaw in the vehicle’s door system made it nearly impossible for their daughter to escape before the car was engulfed in flames.
Details of the Incident
Krysta, a 19-year-old arts student, was a passenger in a Tesla Cybertruck when the vehicle crashed into a tree in a suburb of San Francisco. The driver, who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol and drugs, lost control, leading to a catastrophic accident.
Only one occupant was saved from the burning vehicle, thanks to a rescuer who broke a window to reach them. Tragically, three of the four people in the car, including the driver, died from the incident.
Allegations Against Tesla
The lawsuit claims that Tesla was aware of a design flaw in the car’s door system for years. This issue reportedly prevents passengers from opening the doors when the unlocking mechanism, powered by the battery, is compromised by fire. As a result, Krysta was unable to escape the smoke and flames.
The suit comes at a critical time for Tesla, just as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has begun investigating similar complaints regarding stuck doors in Tesla vehicles.
Previous Legal Actions and Safety Concerns
This lawsuit is not isolated; it follows multiple other cases highlighting safety challenges associated with Tesla vehicles. In August, a jury awarded over $240 million to the family of another college student who lost their life in an accident involving a Tesla.
- The NHTSA is looking into reports where drivers could not open their Tesla’s back doors after exiting.
- Some drivers reported needing to break windows to rescue passengers trapped inside.
Company Response
Tesla has not commented on the lawsuit or the ongoing investigations. However, the company is facing heightened scrutiny regarding the safety of its vehicles. The stakes are particularly high as Tesla works to assure the public that its autonomous technology will soon make driving safer without human oversight.
