A preliminary report from the California Highway Patrol has revealed that a tragic crash involving a Tesla Cybertruck in Piedmont, California, last year was the result of drug use and excessive speed. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of November 27, claimed the lives of three college students and left one survivor.
The Cybertruck, carrying four occupants, veered off the road, collided with a retaining wall, and burst into flames. Despite efforts by police officers to extinguish the fire, it was the quick response of the fire department that ultimately put out the blaze.
Piedmont Fire Chief Dave Brannigan stated that the rapid extinguishing of the flames indicated that the large lithium-ion battery of the Cybertruck was not the source of the fire, likening the incident to a typical car fire.
The victims of the crash, identified as Soren Dixon, Jack Nelson, and Krysta Tsukahara, all in their late teens to early twenties, were found to have alcohol, cocaine, and other substances in their systems, according to toxicology reports. Their deaths were attributed to asphyxia from smoke inhalation and burns sustained during the fire.
The lone survivor, Jordan Miller, was rescued from the wreckage by a passerby. All four individuals were home from college for Thanksgiving break and were graduates of Piedmont High School.
The investigation by the California Highway Patrol is ongoing, with a final report expected to be released in the coming months. The Cybertruck, which has faced multiple safety recalls, was involved in the crash due to a combination of driving under the influence of drugs and unsafe speed.
Recalls for the Cybertruck have included issues such as a fault in the electric inverter causing power loss in the drive wheels and gas pedals getting stuck in the interior trim. Despite its futuristic design, the vehicle has faced scrutiny for safety concerns.
