The parents of a college student tragically killed in a Tesla crash have filed a lawsuit alleging that a design flaw in the vehicle prevented their daughter from escaping as it engulfed in flames. The case centers on the death of 19-year-old Krysta Tsukahara, an arts student, who was trapped in a Cybertruck following a collision caused by a driver who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
According to the lawsuit filed in Alameda County Superior Court, the parents assert that Tesla was aware of the design flaw for years but failed to take swift action to correct it. This negligence, they argue, ultimately resulted in their daughter being unable to exit the vehicle amidst smoke and flames, leading to her tragic death.
The incident occurred when the Cybertruck struck a tree in a San Francisco suburb, resulting in the deaths of three of the four occupants, including the driver. A fourth individual was rescued from the vehicle only after a bystander broke a window to reach them.
Tesla has not publicly responded to this latest lawsuit. However, the filing comes at a critical juncture as federal regulators have recently opened an investigation into reports from Tesla drivers concerning issues with stuck doors. This investigation highlights growing concerns about the safety of Tesla’s vehicles, particularly as the company aims to enhance public confidence in its cars, especially with regard to autonomy features that could allow for driverless operation.
The lawsuit against Tesla adds to a series of legal challenges the company has faced over its vehicles’ safety. In a separate case last August, a Florida jury awarded over $240 million to the family of another college student who lost her life due to a malfunctioning Tesla vehicle.
Furthermore, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is delving into complaints from Tesla drivers who reported being unable to open the back doors of their vehicles after exiting, often requiring them to break windows to rescue passengers, including children. The current scrutiny on Tesla’s door mechanisms raises serious questions about the emergency responsiveness of their vehicles, particularly in life-threatening situations.
