A devastating crash in Texas has raised serious concerns about Tesla’s safety protocols. A Tesla Cybertruck owner dies after becoming trapped in his burning vehicle — a tragedy his family claims was entirely avoidable. They are now suing Tesla, arguing the vehicle’s flawed design turned a survivable crash into a fatal one.
Crash Details: Tesla Cybertruck Owner Dies in Fiery Accident
On August 5, 2024, Michael Sheehan was driving his Tesla Cybertruck in Baytown, Texas, when the vehicle veered off the road, struck a culvert, and burst into flames. According to a wrongful death lawsuit filed in Harris County, the crash itself was not immediately fatal. However, Sheehan was unable to escape due to a complete power failure — which disabled the doors.
His family alleges the Cybertruck’s design is “defective,” as the doors rely entirely on electronic systems and lack reliable manual overrides. The lawsuit claims Tesla failed to properly educate drivers about emergency escape methods. As a result, Sheehan died trapped inside, while emergency responders could not reach him in time.
The lawsuit also includes a local Mont Belvieu bar that allegedly over-served Sheehan alcohol that night, contributing to the crash.
Lawsuits and Public Scrutiny Over Cybertruck’s Safety Features
This is not an isolated case. In Piedmont, California, three college students were killed in another Cybertruck fire. One survivor was pulled out by a bystander, but another victim, Krysta Tsukahara, died in the back seat after being unable to open her door. Her family is also suing Tesla for similar design failures.
Since its launch in late 2023, the Tesla Cybertruck has faced mounting scrutiny. Though it boasts a five-star crash rating from the NHTSA, safety experts have pointed out troubling issues:
- A higher-than-average rate of fire fatalities.
- Multiple recalls, including one for a faulty accelerator pedal.
- Detached exterior panels and design concerns about sharp angles.
Legal experts say Sheehan’s family is seeking over $1 million in damages — the first known wrongful death case linked to the Cybertruck. If courts determine the electronic door system is inherently flawed, more lawsuits are expected to follow.