Top auto regulator opens special probe after a Tesla slams into a Texas home, killing a 76-year-old
Federal regulators are examining whether Tesla’s driver-assistance system was active as the Model 3 hit a home and killed a 76-year-old woman.
- The family of 76-year-old Martha Avila filed a lawsuit Tuesday in Harris County District Court against Tesla and driver Michael Butler, alleging negligence and design defects caused the fatal crash in her Katy-area home Friday.
- At around 8 p.m. Friday, the Tesla entered Avila's brick residence at a high rate of speed, pinning her inside. Butler stated he was operating with an automated driving assistance system engaged at the time, according to the sheriff.
- Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla vice president of AI software, claimed vehicle data showed the driver pressed the accelerator to 100% and reached 73 mph. The lawsuit alleges a "design defect" and a history of danger involving Autopilot.
- Addressing the crash Monday night on social media, CEO Elon Musk wrote the incident "made no sense" because FSD travels slowly on neighborhood streets. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced Monday it is launching a special investigation.
- No criminal charges have been filed against Butler, though the case will be presented to the Harris County District Attorney once the investigation concludes. The lawsuit seeks more than $1 million in damages.
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117 Articles
Elon Musk Pushes Back: 'This Makes No Sense' After Fatal Tesla Crash in Texas
Elon Musk has pushed back against allegations that Tesla's Full Self-Driving software was involved in a fatal crash in Texas, saying the scenario 'makes no sense'. The Tesla chief executive highlighted that the company's system drives slowly in neighbourhood streets, yet the collision occurred at high speed. His comments came amid growing scrutiny of the incident and a lawsuit filed by the victim's family. The crash occurred on 19 June in Katy, …
Tesla sued over fatal Texas crash linked to Autopilot | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Tesla has been sued by the family of a 76-year-old Texas grandmother killed last week when a driver using his Model 3’s automated driving assistance system crashed into her suburban Houston home, the family’s lawyers said.
Tesla was prosecuted by the family of a 76-year-old from Texas who died last week when a driver using the automated driving assistance system of his Model 3 collided against his home in a suburb of Houston, the family lawyers informed. According to the action taken on Tuesday (23), Elon Musk's electric vehicle manufacturer must be held responsible for Martha Avila's death, reflecting her alleged serious negligence and failure to warn that the Au…
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