KATY, Texas (TNND) — Federal safety regulators said this week they opened an investigation after a Tesla Model 3 crashed into a Houston-area home, killing a 76-year-old woman.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the probe concerns a single-vehicle crash involving a Model 3 that struck a residence.
Harris County authorities said the driver told deputies the vehicle was using Tesla's driver-assistance technology before impact. The police report said the driver showed no signs of impairment and is cooperating.
Authorities identified the woman as Martha Avila.
Tesla executives have disputed that the automated system was responsible. On Monday, CEO Elon Musk wrote on social media that the crash “makes no sense” and described it as high speed. Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla's Autopilot chief, later said data showed the driver fully depressed the accelerator, the car reached 73 mph, and the pedal remained pressed after impact.
According to agency records, NHTSA has opened 46 investigations involving Tesla driver-assistance features over the past decade, with more than a dozen resulting in at least one fatality.
Company guidance states Tesla's Full Self-Driving feature requires a fully attentive driver ready to take immediate action at all times.
Photos released by Harris County Constable Precinct 5 show a large hole in the home with the vehicle lodged inside. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the vehicle crashed into the front room, striking Avila.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing.