Deadly Texas Crash Involving a Driverless Tesla Sparks Four Hour Fire

Houston, TX

Injured in a Car Accident? Cesar Ornelas Can Help.

Authorities near Houston, Texas, are closely investigating a devastating and deadly crash scene involving a seemingly driverless Tesla on autopilot that resulted in a raging four-hour fire, sadly killing the two people inside.

Deputies report that a fully electric 2019 Tesla Model S, worth close to $80,000, traveled at a high rate while going around a curve before crashing into a tree at around 11:25 pm Saturday. The accident occurred in the Carlton Woods subdivision near the Woodlands.

Authorities believe that the Tesla may have been operating on autopilot, relaying that one of the individuals was found in the passenger seat. In contrast, the other was found in the back seat of the vehicle. 

The brother-in-law of one of the victims said the men were headed to take the car out for a spin, according to KPRC 2. The driver was originally seen backing the Tesla out of the driveway and likely hopped in the back seat of the vehicle before the crash.

A spokesperson from the Sheriff’s department shared that the vehicle immediately burst into flames following the crash. Local firefighters worked for four hours to put out the blaze, which required 32,000 gallons of water to extinguish successfully. During their efforts to extinguish the fire, responders had to call Tesla to ask them how to put out the fire in the battery, which continuously reignited itself. 

Proper authorities are still investigating whether the front passenger airbag deployed and whether the Tesla’s advanced driver-assistance system was enabled at the time of the crash. Autopsies will be conducted on both men.

Tesla ‘Building Up’ Collision Repair Capabilities

This tragic accident occurred on the heels of the release of Tesla’s 2021 accident data for the first quarter of the year.

CEO Elon Musk claimed that Tesla vehicles with Autopilot engaged are beginning to approach a 10 times lower chance of an accident than the average vehicle.

Data from the accident report indicated that for the first quarter of 2021, the company registered one accident for every 4.19 million miles driven while Autopilot is engaged. For those driving without Autopilot, but with Tesla’s active safety features, Musks’ company registered one accident for every 2.05 million miles driven. For those driving without Autopilot or active safety features, the company registered one accident for every 978,000 miles driven.

Tesla notes that the Model S, Model X, and Model 3 have achieved the lowest overall probability of injury of any vehicle tested by the federal government’s new car assessment program. 

“Much of this has to do with the rigid, fortified structure of the battery pack that is mounted to a car’s floor, which provides a vehicle with exceptional strength, large crumple zones, and a uniquely low center of gravity,” the company said in a statement.

“Because of their strength, Tesla’s battery packs rarely incur serious damage in accidents. And, in the extremely unlikely event that a fire occurs, the state-of-the-art design of our battery packs ensures that its safety system works as intended and isolates a fire to select areas within the battery while simultaneously venting heat away from the passenger cabin and the vehicle.”

“While these features are designed to become more capable over time, the currently enabled features do not make the vehicle autonomous,” Tesla added.

Because of the nature of their vehicles, Tesla has taken extra measures and provided first responders with guidance on how to deal with emergency situations involving Tesla.

Vehicle Accident Resources

Deadly Texas Crash Involving Tesla Worth $80,000 Sparks Four Hour Fire

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Cesar Ornelas Law Is Here For You

Vehicular accidents happen too often on Texas roads. With thousands of miles of highways alone, it is clear the risk is high. The potential injuries and deaths can be overwhelming to think about. 

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, you will need an experienced, successful injury lawyer to help you bear the burden of lost income, mounting medical bills, and other expenses caused by your injuries.

Cesar Ornelas is the lawyer who can evaluate your situation and give you excellent advice to handle all the details of your misfortune. The Cesar Ornelas Law Firm offers a FREE CONSULTATION for your initial visit where your questions can be answered, and you will learn if you have a good case for any compensation. 

Cesar always works to give you the best results. You don’t even pay unless he and his team win your case. Give Cesar a call today toll-free at 885-827-2892 or 210-981-4890 or fill out a contact form that will generate a quick email to him.

Looking for peace of mind and a helping hand from someone who knows what to do for you? Look no further. Cesar and his team are ready to represent you and your needs!

GET A FREE CONSULTATION

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at: (855) 930-1149

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