PIEDMONT, Calif. — A tragic crash involving a Tesla Cybertruck on November 27, 2022, which resulted in the deaths of three college students near San Francisco, has been attributed to drug use and excessive speed, according to a preliminary report by the California Highway Patrol.
The incident occurred shortly after 3 a.m. when the Cybertruck veered off the road, struck a retaining wall, and caught fire. Four individuals were riding in the vehicle at the time.
The highway patrol indicated that “a combination of driving under the influence of drugs and unsafe speed were the causes” of the deadly crash.
While first responders were unable to extinguish the flames initially, local fire authorities managed to control the fire quickly. Piedmont Fire Chief stated that the rapid response suggested the Cybertruck’s lithium-ion battery did not ignite, characterizing the incident as “more along the lines of a typical car fire.”
The victims of the crash included Soren Dixon, 19, Jack Nelson, 20, and Krysta Tsukahara, 19. The fourth occupant, Jordan Miller, 20, survived thanks to the intervention of a bystander. All four young adults were home for Thanksgiving break and were graduates of Piedmont High School.
Toxicology reports revealed that the deceased victims had substances, including alcohol and cocaine, in their systems. Their deaths were ruled accidental, resulting from asphyxia due to inhalation of smoke and significant burns from the fire.
The California Highway Patrol’s investigation continues, with a comprehensive report anticipated in the coming months.
The Cybertruck, which has been available for purchase for over a year, has faced multiple recalls for safety issues, including a significant recall last November due to a fault in the electric inverter causing power loss to the drive wheels. In April, a recall was issued to address concerns with gas pedals that could become stuck.
