Elon Musk denies Tesla’s Autopilot caused crash that killed grandmother
A Tesla Model 3 crashed into a home in Katy, Texas, killing 76-year-old Martha Avila on June 19. Elon Musk and Tesla executives dispute claims that Autopilot or Full Self-Driving software caused the accident, attributing it to the driver. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched a federal investigation into the incident.
What changed
Elon Musk has publicly rejected claims that Tesla technology triggered the crash and the victim's family has filed a lawsuit.
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Elon Musk Denies Autopilot Role in Fatal Texas Crash
confidence 90%A Tesla Model 3 crashed into a home in Katy, Texas, killing 76-year-old Martha Avila on June 19. Elon Musk and Tesla executives dispute claims that Autopilot or Full Self-Driving software caused the accident, attributing it to the driver. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched a federal investigation into the incident.
What's confirmed:
- Martha Avila, 76, died on June 19 after a Tesla crashed into her home.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is conducting a federal safety investigation into the crash.
- The family of the victim filed a lawsuit against Tesla and the driver.
- Elon Musk denies that Tesla Autopilot caused the crash.
- The vehicle involved in the crash was a Tesla Model 3.
Still unconfirmed:
- Driver Michael Butler claimed the vehicle was in autopilot mode during the crash.
- Tesla alleges the driver caused the crash by pressing the accelerator.
- Tesla executives state the driver overrode the system.
- No charges have been filed against the driver.