A woman has died after a Tesla believed to be operating in self-driving mode crashed into a house in Texas, United States, according to local authorities.
The incident occurred at around 8pm local time on Friday in Katy, Texas, when a Tesla Model 3 reportedly veered out of its lane before leaving the roadway and slamming into a residential property.
Authorities said the vehicle was being driven by Michael Butler, who was allegedly using Tesla’s automated driving assistance system at the time of the crash.
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Tesla entered the home at high speed and struck a woman identified as M Avila, who was inside the residence when the collision occurred.
Emergency responders rushed Avila to hospital by air ambulance, but she later succumbed to her injuries.
Investigators said Butler was also injured in the crash. However, preliminary findings indicated that he was not under the influence of alcohol and has been cooperating fully with authorities throughout the investigation.
The tragic incident has once again raised questions surrounding the use of advanced driver-assistance technologies, although officials have not yet determined whether the system played a direct role in the crash.
Authorities confirmed that investigations remain ongoing and, as of Saturday afternoon, no criminal charges had been filed against the driver.
Further details are expected to emerge as investigators continue examining the circumstances that led to the fatal collision.
