Tesla Crashes Into Texas Home, Killing 76-Year-Old Woman
A Tesla Model 3 crashed into a brick home in Katy, Texas, near Houston, on June 19 and killed a woman inside.
The driver told investigators he had an automated driving assistance system engaged at the time.
Michael Butler, 44, drove eastbound on Blooming Park Lane around 8 p.m.
The vehicle left the roadway, missed a right turn, and struck the residence at a high rate of speed.
It entered through the front of the house and hit Martha Avila, 76, who stood in the front room.
Deputies with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.
Avila suffered severe injuries. She was airlifted to a hospital, where she died. Butler also went to the hospital.
Officials said he showed no signs of intoxication.
A doorbell camera captured the crash. Avila’s daughter, Jennifer Barbour, was in the backyard when she heard the impact.
Family members described finding Avila under rubble in the front playroom area as they prepared dinner.
Butler reported to investigators that the Tesla operated with automated driver assistance.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office noted he failed to drive in a single lane before the vehicle left the road.
Tesla pushed back on that account. The head of Tesla’s Autopilot division said vehicle logs show the driver overrode the system.
He pressed the accelerator to 100 percent, the company stated.
Initial reports indicate the vehicle reached speeds of around 73 to 74 mph in the residential area.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a formal investigation on Monday into the crash.
Federal regulators examine the circumstances involving the Tesla Model 3 and its driver-assistance features.
Avila’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla and the driver. The incident displaced the family, which includes young children.
Harris County investigators review Tesla’s vehicle logs for data on speed, driver actions and system status.
Officials have not confirmed the exact status of any automated features at the moment of impact.
No mechanical issues with the vehicle have been reported so far.
The crash occurred at the end of a cul-de-sac in a quiet neighborhood.
Authorities continue to investigate this matter.
