A Tesla Model 3 in Katy, Texas, crashes into a family home, killing a 76-year-old woman inside, according to Harris County authorities and multiple media reports. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office says the driver, Michael Butler, told investigators he was using the car’s Autopilot or other automated driver-assistance features when he lost control. Investigators say Butler failed to maintain a single lane, left the roadway, and struck the residence at high speed. Witnesses and video reportedly show the vehicle crossing the lawn and tearing through the home’s facade.
The victim, identified in some reports as Martha Avila Mantilla, was reportedly standing in the front room when the car hit. She is described as later dying after being airlifted to a hospital. Butler was also injured and taken to a hospital. Authorities say there are no signs of intoxication and that Butler is cooperating.
Tesla disputes claims that its driver-assistance system caused the crash, with an executive stating the driver manually overrode self-driving by pressing the accelerator. Investigators plan to review the vehicle’s event data recorder and onboard logs to determine whether an automated system was engaged, the vehicle’s speed, and what inputs were made before the collision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is also reported to be reviewing the crash.
