Piedmont, CA – A 19-year-old college student was burned alive after a Tesla Cybertruck allegedly trapped her inside during a fiery crash that killed three young passengers, according to two wrongful death lawsuits recently filed in California.
Fiery Crash in Piedmont Leaves Three Dead
The tragic accident occurred in the early hours of November 27, 2023, when a Tesla Cybertruck carrying four college students crashed into a retaining wall and a tree in Piedmont, California.
The victims were identified as Krysta Tsukahara, 19, Soren Dixon, 19, and Jack Nelson, 20, all of whom were killed when the vehicle erupted into flames. A fourth passenger, Jordan Miller, survived after a bystander smashed the windshield with a tree branch and pulled him out.
Lawsuit Alleges Tesla’s Doors Failed After Power Loss
According to a lawsuit filed by Carl and Noelle Tsukahara in Alameda County Superior Court, their daughter Krysta initially survived the crash but could not escape because the Cybertruck’s electronic door system malfunctioned when the vehicle lost power.
The suit alleges that Tesla’s 12-volt battery failure caused the electronic door release to stop working, and the manual release mechanism was too difficult to locate amid the chaos. Tsukahara died from smoke inhalation and severe burns as bystanders struggled to free her and the others.
Family Attorney Blames Tesla’s Design
“It’s just a horror story,” said family attorney Roger Dreyer. “Tesla knows this can happen — and they’re still selling vehicles that trap people inside without a reliable manual escape.”
As per The Post, the lawsuit also cites over 30 prior reports of similar door release malfunctions and accuses Tesla of showing a “conscious disregard” for consumer safety by failing to correct the issue.
The company’s handleless door system, which operates via a push-button mechanism, allegedly lacks a visible and functional fail-safe in case of a crash.
Second Lawsuit Filed by Another Victim’s Family
The parents of Jack Nelson, identified as Todd and Stannye Nelson, have also filed a separate wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla, seeking punitive damages for their son’s death.
Both families accuse Tesla of negligence and claim that its door design flaws turned the vehicle into a death trap during emergencies.
California Highway Patrol Findings
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), impairment and speeding were contributing factors in the crash. Toxicology reports revealed that all four occupants had alcohol, cocaine, and other substances in their systems at the time.
However, the Tsukaharas’ attorney insists they still have a “very strong case” against Tesla, arguing that the victims should have been able to escape alive.
“They’ll try to blame the driver,” Dreyer said. “But this car should never have entombed these young people.”
Tesla’s Troubled Vehicle History
The Tesla Cybertruck, unveiled in November 2023, has already faced multiple recalls and declining sales. In September 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation after reports that doors on Tesla Model Y SUVs failed to open, forcing parents to break windows to rescue trapped children.
What to Do If a Car Catches Fire
Car fires can escalate in seconds. Experts recommend:
- Get out immediately if you smell smoke or see flames.
- Use manual door releases if electronic locks fail — know their location before driving.
- Move at least 100 feet away from the vehicle once outside.
- Call 911 immediately and warn others to stay clear.
- Never try to retrieve belongings from a burning car.
Understanding emergency exits and safety systems in electric vehicles can make a life-saving difference.
What do you think about the lawsuits against Tesla? Should EV manufacturers face stricter safety rules? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
