KATY, Texas (TNND) — A fatal crash involving a Tesla Model 3, which struck a home and killed a 76-year-old woman, is under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
According to Harris County authorities, the driver reported that the vehicle was operating under Tesla's driver-assistance technology before the incident. The deceased, identified as Martha Avila, was struck when the Tesla crashed into her home's front room. Deputies noted that the driver exhibited no signs of impairment and is cooperating with the investigation.
Tesla executives have challenged claims that the automated driving system was a factor in the crash. CEO Elon Musk stated that the incident “makes no sense,” alleging the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system operates at low speeds in residential areas. Additionally, Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla's VP of Autopilot, indicated that the driver manually accelerated the vehicle, pushing the pedal to the maximum and reaching speeds of 73 mph at the time of the collision.
NHTSA records show that the agency has opened 46 investigations into Tesla vehicles utilizing driver-assistance technology in the last decade, with more than a dozen resulting in fatalities.
Despite its designation, Tesla's FSD system is not fully autonomous, and the company emphasizes that drivers must remain attentive and ready to take control at all times. Photos from Harris County Constable Precinct 5 reveal significant damage to the home, with the Tesla embedded in the structure and debris scattered on the lawn.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed that Avila was struck by the vehicle during the crash.