Lawsuits Claim Tesla Cybertruck Doors Trapped Students in Fatal California Crash

Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Tesla following a fatal Cybertruck crash in Piedmont, California, that killed three college students, including 19-year-old Krysta Michelle Tsukahara. The suits allege that a critical design flaw in the Cybertruck's battery-powered electronic door system trapped passengers inside the vehicle after it lost power in the crash, preventing escape from the ensuing fire. Tsukahara survived the initial collision but died from burns and smoke inhalation because the manual door release was difficult to locate and the electronic system failed. The lawsuits claim Tesla has been aware of these door system issues for years yet failed to address them, resulting in what attorneys describe as a "horrific" and preventable tragedy. A passerby was able to rescue one occupant by breaking a bulletproof window, highlighting the difficulty of escape from the vehicle. The victims' families seek damages and accountability, criticizing Tesla for releasing a vehicle with a dangerous design flaw despite the company’s immense resources and status.