PIEDMONT, Calif. — A fatal accident involving a Tesla Cybertruck, which led to the deaths of three college students near San Francisco last year, was attributed to drug use and excessive speeding, according to a preliminary report by the California Highway Patrol.
The tragic incident occurred early on November 27 in Piedmont, with the Cybertruck carrying four passengers. The vehicle swerved off the road, collided with a retaining wall, and ignited shortly after 3 a.m.
The Highway Patrol indicated in a statement released last week that both driving under the influence of drugs and maintaining an unsafe speed were critical factors in the crash.
Initial responders from the police were unable to extinguish the blaze using their fire extinguishers, although the fire department swiftly managed to put it out, according to officials at the scene. Piedmont Fire Chief Dave Brannigan commented the day following the crash that the rapid containment of the flames suggested the Cybertruck’s lithium-ion battery likely didn’t ignite. He categorized the event as resembling a typical car fire.
Victims of the single-vehicle crash included Soren Dixon, 19, Jack Nelson, 20, and Krysta Tsukahara, 19. A fourth individual, Jordan Miller, 20, survived thanks to a timely rescue by a passerby who extricated him from the burning wreck. The group was back home for Thanksgiving break, all graduates of Piedmont High School, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.
The Chronicle referred to toxicology findings indicating that the three deceased victims had consumed alcohol, cocaine, and other substances. Their passing was classified as accidental, primarily due to smoke inhalation and asphyxia, with burns being a significant contributing factor, according to the autopsy report.
The Highway Patrol noted that their inquiry remains active, with a conclusive report anticipated in the coming months.
The Tesla Cybertruck, available for purchase for over a year, has undergone multiple recalls due to safety concerns. The first recall occurred last November due to an electric inverter malfunction, which could potentially cause the drive wheels to lose power. Another recall was issued in April to address issues with gas pedals that might get stuck against the interior trim of the vehicle.
