The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is looking into an incident where a 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid sedan caught fire in Haverford, Pennsylvania when its owner was at the wheel.
According to news reports, the vehicle owner became trapped inside as the blaze broke out, but managed to escape. An investigation has been launched into this potentially lethal fault.
Ongoing Investigation
The car’s owner told CNBC that he noticed smoke coming from the back of his 2021 Model S Plaid and tried to unlock and open the doors, but had to force his way out of the vehicle as the locks seemed to malfunction. After he left the car, it began to move on its own and the flames engulfed it, he said. Two crews of firefighters worked on the scene for just over three hours to put out the fire, officials said.
NHTSA officials told CNBC that it is aware of the Tesla vehicle fire in Pennsylvania and that they are in touch with the relevant agencies and the manufacturer to get more information about the incident. A spokesperson for NHTSA said if data or investigations show a defect or an inherent risk to safety, the agency “will take action as appropriate to protect the public.”
NBC News recently reported electric vehicle battery fires could take upwards of 25,000 gallons of water to be fully extinguished. By comparison, a typical car fire involving an internal combustion engine can be put out with around 300 gallons of water.
Auto Product Liability Issues
We are relieved to note that NHTSA will look into this potentially serious issue with the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid sedan. Not only did the vehicle catch fire when it was being driven, but it is particularly concerning that the driver was unable to get out right away because the locks malfunctioned. These types of issues could result in severe burn injuries, smoke inhalation injuries, or even death. It is indeed fortunate that this driver was able to escape without major injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of an auto defect, you may be able to file an auto product liability lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries damages, and losses. In such cases, it is important to preserve the vehicle unaltered so it can be thoroughly examined by an expert for evidence of defects, malfunctions, and design flaws. An experienced auto defect attorney will be able to advise you regarding your legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/tesla-model-s-plaid-fire-nhtsa-investigate/
