A Tesla crash near Niort, France, left four people dead late Saturday, October 12, 2024, after the vehicle veered off the road, struck a road sign, and burst into flames, according to local police. The incident, which occurred in the western region of France, has complicated the identification process as the victims were burned beyond recognition.
Lieutenant Eric Hoarau, a spokesperson for the local police, confirmed that the exact circumstances of the crash remain unclear as the investigation continues. “Everything suggests [the vehicle] came off the road,” Hoarau said, pointing to evidence such as tire marks and a damaged road sign at the scene. The lack of witnesses is further hindering the investigation into the deadly accident.
The vehicle involved, a Tesla, has raised questions regarding its Autopilot system, which has been scrutinized in multiple investigations following various crashes in recent years. According to an investigation by the Wall Street Journal, Tesla’s Autopilot technology relies heavily on computer vision rather than sensors like lidar (light detection and ranging), which some experts believe may contribute to these accidents. The report cites that many Autopilot incidents were linked to sudden veering or failure to recognize obstacles.
This incident adds to a series of similar Tesla crashes globally, with several fatal cases involving fires after impacts. For instance, in April 2021, a Tesla Model S in The Woodlands, Texas, crashed into a tree and burst into flames, killing two occupants. Investigations revealed that the car was traveling at high speeds, and authorities initially suspected that Autopilot was engaged, though Tesla later refuted this.
In another case, a Tesla Model X driver died in Mountain View, California, in March of 2018 after crashing into a barrier. The vehicle’s Autopilot system was reportedly active then, and subsequent investigations criticized its design for overreliance on camera-based systems without adequate driver monitoring. These incidents highlight concerns over Tesla’s Autopilot feature and its susceptibility to critical safety failures during operation.
As the investigation develops, authorities are working to identify the victims and determine the cause of the crash.
