Austin, TX — A tragic crash involving a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck has intensified scrutiny of the vehicle’s design and safety. Michael Sheehan, 47, died after his truck veered off the road, struck a concrete culvert, and erupted into flames so intense that investigators said it destroyed his bones. The accident happened just three months after he purchased the vehicle, and his family has now filed a lawsuit alleging that flaws in the Cybertruck’s design trapped him inside.
The Fatal Crash
Authorities say Sheehan was driving southwest on Nita Way when his Cybertruck left the road and slammed into a culvert. The impact triggered a fire so extreme it reportedly reached 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving Sheehan unable to escape.
Investigators have not determined whether he was speeding or wearing a seatbelt at the time. However, Sheehan’s family insists that the accident would have been survivable in another vehicle. They argue that no other truck would have ignited so violently or posed such difficulty in escape.
Court filings also reveal that Sheehan had been at the Barn Whiskey Bar before the crash, and the lawsuit claims he was overserved alcohol. Still, the family maintains that the primary factor was the Cybertruck itself. According to Autoblog, this is not the first time concerns have been raised about fires linked to the Cybertruck. In California last year, three students died when their Cybertruck caught fire after hitting a tree.
Alleged Cybertruck Safety Flaws
The lawsuit highlights several alleged dangers with Tesla’s new flagship pickup. Among the claims:
- A “hyper-volatile” battery chemistry prone to catching fire in collisions.
- Poorly placed vents in the battery pack that increase fire risk.
- Electronic doors that become useless without power, and external handles that don’t function reliably.
- Lack of training for owners on emergency features, such as manual door releases, which could be life-saving in a crash.
The family argues Tesla could have adopted safer battery designs and better emergency systems but failed to do so.
Other Safety Concerns
On the outside, the Cybertruck is marketed as nearly indestructible, featuring stainless steel panels, sharp edges, and a curb weight of more than 6,800 pounds. But critics argue that these very features make it more dangerous. Without traditional crumple zones, the force of impact is transferred directly to occupants and other road users.
Concerns have also been raised about Autopilot inconsistencies, frequent recalls, and a growing list of electronic glitches. While Tesla points to its five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, many believe the rating does not align with real-world performance.
The Lawsuit
Sheehan’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit seeking more than $1 million in damages. They hope the case will highlight potential safety hazards and force Tesla to make changes before more lives are lost.
The case raises broader questions about the trade-offs between futuristic design and practical safety in vehicles meant for everyday roads.
What are your thoughts on the risks of vehicles like the Cybertruck? Share your views in the comments below.
