Tesla sued over crash of Model 3 that ‘exploded into a raging fire,' killing 1

Core Viewpoint - Tesla faces a lawsuit related to a fatal incident involving a Model 3, where the vehicle allegedly accelerated uncontrollably and caught fire after crashing into a utility pole, resulting in the death of one occupant and severe injuries to another [1][2][3]. Incident Details - The lawsuit claims that the Model 3 experienced a sudden and rapid acceleration for approximately five seconds before crashing on January 7, 2023, in Tacoma [3]. - The fire that ensued was described as "extremely hot" and burned for hours, making it impossible for rescuers to assist the occupants [3][4]. - Witnesses reported hearing screams and seeing "big flames" as they were unable to approach the vehicle due to the intense fire [7]. Technical Allegations - The complaint alleges defects in the vehicle's acceleration and braking systems, stating that the automatic emergency braking did not activate during the crash [6]. - It is claimed that the electronic door handles failed immediately when the car lost power, trapping the occupants inside [1][6]. Regulatory Scrutiny - The lawsuit coincides with ongoing regulatory investigations into whether Tesla's door systems trap occupants when low-voltage power fails, amid a series of similar fire-related lawsuits [6][17]. - Previous incidents, including a Model S fire in Wisconsin that resulted in multiple fatalities, have raised concerns about the safety of Tesla's electronic systems [6][9]. Company Response - Tesla has not provided an immediate comment regarding the lawsuit or the allegations made against its vehicles [4].