Key facts
- A Tesla Model 3 crashed into a home in Katy, Texas, killing 76-year-old Martha Avila.
- The driver stated the vehicle's automated driving technology was engaged during the crash.
- Tesla claims data indicates the driver manually overrode the system, reaching 73 mph.
- The NHTSA has opened a special investigation into the fatal crash.
- The Harris County Sheriff’s Office will determine if criminal charges are warranted.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a special investigation into a fatal Tesla crash in Katy, Texas, where a Model 3 slammed into a home at high speed, killing 76-year-old Martha Avila. The driver, Michael Butler, told the Harris County Sheriff’s Office that he was using the vehicle's automated driving technology at the time of the incident. However, Tesla claims data indicated the driver manually overrode the system by pressing the accelerator to 100%, reaching 73 mph and continuing to accelerate after impact, according to Ashok Elluswamy, director of Tesla's Autopilot software. Elon Musk amplified this statement on X. The NHTSA's special investigation is one of 46 such probes into Tesla vehicles using self-driving or driver-assistance technology over the past decade. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office will present its findings to the local district attorney to decide if criminal charges are warranted.