Tesla Cited After Fatal Electrocution, Faces Broader Scrutiny

Federal regulators have cited Tesla for workplace safety violations following the electrocution of Victor Gomez Sr., an electrical contractor, at the Austin Gigafactory in 2024. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) confirmed that the investigation is closed and citations have been issued, although specific details and penalties remain undisclosed. This incident has sparked criticism and calls for transparency, with U.S. Rep. Greg Casar urging for more information to be released. The Gomez family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit, alleging negligence as the cause of the incident. Concurrently, President Trump's nominee for the U.S. Transportation Department, Steve Bradbury, has pledged a fair approach in overseeing auto safety probes, including ongoing investigations into Tesla's Full Self-Driving software. These developments come amidst broader scrutiny of Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk's influence in federal policy, as well as declining Tesla sales and controversies around workplace safety.