A Tesla Cybertruck crash that claimed the lives of three college students near San Francisco was caused by drug use and excessive speed, according to a preliminary report from the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
High-Speed Crash Ends in Tragedy
The accident occurred on November 27, 2024, at around 3 a.m. in Piedmont, California. The Cybertruck, carrying four occupants, veered off the road, collided with a retaining wall, and burst into flames upon impact.
“Officers determined that a combination of driving under the influence of drugs and unsafe speed were the causes,” the CHP stated last week.
While police attempted to extinguish the flames, the fire department managed to put the fire out quickly. According to Piedmont Fire Chief Dave Brannigan, the rapid response suggests that the Cybertruck’s lithium-ion battery did not ignite, classifying it as a “typical car fire” rather than an electric vehicle battery fire.
Victims Identified
The crash resulted in three fatalities:
- Soren Dixon, 19
- Jack Nelson, 20
- Krysta Tsukahara, 19
The fourth occupant, Jordan Miller, 20, survived after a passerby pulled him from the wreckage.
All four individuals were graduates of Piedmont High School and had returned home for Thanksgiving break.
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Toxicology Reports Reveal Drug and Alcohol Use
A toxicology report revealed that the victims had alcohol, cocaine, and other substances in their system at the time of the crash. The official cause of death was determined to be asphyxia from smoke inhalation, with burns also listed as a significant factor, according to the autopsy report.
The California Highway Patrol’s investigation remains ongoing, with a final report expected in the coming months.
Tesla Cybertruck Safety Concerns
The Tesla Cybertruck, which has been available for over a year, has faced multiple safety recalls:
- November 2024: Recalled due to a faulty electric inverter, which could cause the drive wheels to lose power.
- April 2024: Recalled for gas pedals that could get stuck in the interior trim, posing a serious safety hazard.
This incident raises further concerns about vehicle safety and the risks of high-speed crashes involving modern electric vehicles. Authorities will continue investigating how vehicle design, road conditions, and human error contributed to the tragic loss of life.
