A lawsuit alleges that a father-of-five burned to death in his Tesla Model S due to an electric fault that prevented police from rescuing him after an accident in Florida’s Broward County in February 2019.
Dr Omar Awan died in the crash, and the lawsuit filed by his wife Liliana blames Tesla for a “defective” Model S design that hindered rescue efforts by police and first responders.
Despite Tesla’s denial, a police report by an officer for the Davie Police Department also indicates a failure with the door handles. According to the report, the handles are electronic and did not operate when power was abruptly cut in the vehicle.
An officer mentioned that the streamlined doors are designed to automatically come out in the event of a crash but did not in this particular crash. Officers were unable to break a window due to the flames, as the report mentioned. There is a mechanical back-up in place, which can only be accessed from inside the vehicle, but the company provides training to first responders to break the window and open the vehicle from the inside.
A medical examiner determined that the 48-year-old died of smoke inhalation and burns rather than the crash itself. His wife expressed her distress, stating that he could have been saved and that futuristic cars have benefits but also high risks, including the risk of death.
She emphasized the importance of recognizing the high risks associated with futuristic cars and the potential for fatal outcomes.