Following a tragic incident involving a Tesla Cybertruck in Piedmont, the parents of three deceased college students have filed a lawsuit against the company. The crash occurred last Thanksgiving when the Cybertruck struck a cement wall and erupted in flames, resulting in the deaths of 19-year-old Soren Dixon, Jack Nelson, and Krysta Tsukahara. A fourth student, Matt Riordan, survived the accident.
Details of the Incident
The unfortunate event raised numerous questions surrounding vehicle safety, particularly concerning the functionality of the Cybertruck’s doors. Witness accounts, including Riordan’s testimony to California Highway Patrol, indicated that the doors failed to open while the vehicle was on fire. Riordan described multiple attempts to exit the vehicle, stating, “I pulled on the doors for a few seconds, but nothing budged at all.” He also tried the buttons on the doors but found them unresponsive.
Victims’ Substance Use
Toxicology reports revealed that all three deceased students had cocaine and alcohol in their systems. Additionally, the driver, Soren Dixon, tested positive for meth and was above the legal alcohol limit while operating the vehicle.
Legal Actions Against Tesla
The families of Tsukahara and Nelson have initiated wrongful death claims in Alameda County, seeking accountability from Tesla. Their attorney, Roger Dreyer, stated, “Tesla knows that it’s happened and that it’s going to happen. They are doing nothing but selling a car that entraps people.” The lawsuits argue that Tesla’s design flaws contributed to the victims being trapped inside the burning vehicle.
- Krysta Tsukahara’s parents allege she died from smoke inhalation and burns sustained in the fire.
- The victims’ families previously sued Soren Dixon’s estate and his grandparents for access to the Cybertruck for investigation.
- The current lawsuit highlights that the Cybertruck’s doors rely on a 12-volt battery, which fails when the vehicle loses power.
Concerns About Vehicle Design
The lawsuit emphasizes the difficulty in locating the manual door latch, which is not readily visible. Furthermore, it cites numerous reports of Tesla drivers facing technical issues with the battery-operated door system. Tesla has acknowledged that the door mechanisms require redesigning.
This case sheds light on the urgent need for improved safety features in electric vehicles, especially in high-stakes situations like vehicle fires. As the families seek justice, the broader implications for Tesla’s design standards and safety protocols may come under scrutiny.
