KATY, Texas (TNND) — A crash involving a Tesla Model 3 resulted in the death of a 76-year-old woman at approximately 2:41 p.m. on Monday.
Harris County authorities confirmed that the vehicle struck a residence, killing Martha Avila inside the home. The driver reported using Tesla's driver-assistance technology at the time of the incident.
According to the police report, the operator showed no signs of impairment and is cooperating with the investigation. Emergency response teams were on the scene, and the vehicle was towed away afterward.
Tesla executives have disputed claims that their automated driving system was to blame. CEO Elon Musk stated the crash was “high speed,” noting the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system typically operates slowly in residential areas.
Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla's Vice President of Autopilot, indicated that the driver manually depressed the accelerator, reaching speeds of 73 mph at impact. He noted the accelerator remained engaged post-collision.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into the crash. Records show the agency has opened 46 investigations into Tesla vehicles using self-driving technology over the past decade, with over a dozen resulting in fatalities.
Despite its name, Tesla's Full Self-Driving system requires driver attention and readiness to intervene. The company emphasizes that drivers are responsible for understanding the system's limitations.
Photos released by Harris County Constable Precinct 5 depict significant damage to the residence, with the vehicle lodged inside and debris scattered across the front lawn. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed the vehicle crashed into the home's front room, resulting in Avila's death.