Tesla under federal investigation after Model 3 crashes into Texas home, killing 76-year-old and raising safety concerns
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a special crash investigation following an incident in Katy, Texas, where a Tesla Model 3 crashed into a home, resulting in the death of 76-year-old Martha Avila.The driver, Michael Butler, reportedly used Tesla’s partially automated driving systems at the time of the crash and is cooperating with authorities.
Investigation launched
Tesla CEO Elon Musk defended the company in response to the crash, asserting that it was unusual for the automated system to malfunction in such a manner.
Musk stated in a post on his social media platform X that the accident was incompatible with the system’s low-speed operation in residential areas.
Tesla’s Vice President of Autopilot, Ashok Elluswamy, clarified that the driver had manually overridden the system by accelerating significantly before the collision.
These claims from both the driver and Tesla executives are currently under investigation and remain unverified.
Tesla has faced scrutiny regarding the availability of crucial data from its vehicles involved in significant accidents.
The NHTSA has conducted over three dozen special investigations into Tesla’s advanced driver assistance systems since 2016, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding safety.
The former “Autopilot” designation for Tesla’s systems was altered in February after legal findings related to false advertising.
A separate Tesla crash in California earlier this year also resulted in injuries to six individuals, with similar reports suggesting the driver was using Autopilot.
According to independent tracking site TeslaDeaths.com, at least 65 fatalities have been linked to Tesla vehicles where Autopilot or FSD systems were implicated.
The latest investigation coincides with Musk’s efforts to maintain investor confidence in Tesla’s autonomous vehicle capabilities.
Shares of Tesla experienced a minor increase, closing at $405.05, amidst the backdrop of the federal probe.
A 76-year-old Texas woman was killed after a Tesla crashed into her home. Authorities are investigating whether a driver-assistance system was active at the time. pic.twitter.com/7Y45U3patE
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 21, 2026
Safety concerns persist
Authorities continue to monitor developments in both the current investigation and past incidents.
Tesla’s commitment to improving safety measures and transparency remains under close scrutiny from regulators and the public.
