On Monday, June 22, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that a special investigation would be launched into a fatal Tesla accident that occurred last Friday, June 19.
The crash took place in Katy, Texas. Local officials reported that a Tesla Model 3 was driving in Autopilot mode when it crashed into a residence at high speed, resulting in the tragic death of a 76-year-old woman.
According to a press release from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the driver involved, Michael Butler, was operating a Tesla Model 3 around 8 p.m. on June 19 in Katy. Butler stated that he was using the vehicle’s Autopilot mode at the time.
The Sheriff’s Office mentioned that Butler failed to keep the vehicle in a single lane, drove off the road, and crashed into the side of a house.
“Butler’s Tesla drove into the brick residential building, hitting Martha Avila inside the house,” the Sheriff’s Office stated in a release, adding that Avila was airlifted to the hospital and later pronounced dead.
Driver Butler sustained injuries and was transported to the hospital by ambulance, showing no signs of intoxication at the time. His current condition is undisclosed, and authorities mentioned that he is cooperating with the investigation.
On the Tesla company’s website, it is stated that even in Autopilot mode, drivers should remain ready to take control at all times.
“Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capability are intended for use by a driver who maintains attention at all times, keeping their hands on the steering wheel and being prepared to take over vehicle control at any moment,” the Tesla website reads.
Investigators are looking into whether Autopilot or other automated driving assistance features were active and working properly at the time of the incident. As of now, Tesla has not made any public comments regarding this accident.