US opens investigation into fatal Tesla crash in Texas as conflicting accounts emerge over self-driving system

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a special investigation into a fatal crash involving a Tesla Model 3 that struck a house in Katy, Texas, on June 19, killing a 76-year-old woman, after the driver reportedly told authorities an automated driving assistance system was engaged at the time of the collision.

The crash is the latest involving Tesla's driver assistance technology to come under federal scrutiny as the automaker faces continuing investigations into its self-driving systems.

Driver reported automated system was engaged

According to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, driver Michael Butler was travelling east in a Tesla Model 3 at about 8 p.m. when the vehicle crashed through a brick home in the Houston suburb of Katy.

The vehicle struck 76-year-old Martha Avila, identified by her family as Martha Avila Mantilla, while she was inside the house. She was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Authorities said Butler told investigators the vehicle was operating "with an automated driving assistance system engaged at the time of the crash". The sheriff's office added that the Tesla "entered through the brick residence, at a high rate of speed, and struck M. Avila who was inside the residence."

Investigators said Butler showed no signs of intoxication and was cooperative during the investigation. He was also injured and taken to hospital.

"At this time, investigators have found no evidence of a mechanical malfunction," the Harris County Sheriff's Office told NBC News. "However, it is important to note that the investigation is not complete. Once all evidence has been gathered, the investigative file will be presented to the Harris County District Attorney's Office to determine whether criminal charges are appropriate."

The district attorney's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Tesla disputes reports over Full Self-Driving

Tesla has disputed suggestions that its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system caused the crash.

Ashok Elluswamy, who leads Tesla's self-driving efforts, wrote on X that the driver had overridden the automated system immediately before the collision.

"In this case, the driver manually overrode self-driving by pressing the accelerator all the way to 100% of the accel pedal in this residential area. They reached a speed of 73 mph during the crash, and had the accelerator pressed even after the crash," Elluswamy said.

Responding to reports about the investigation, Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk also questioned media coverage of the incident. Referring to a Business Insider report, he wrote on X that it "makes no sense" and added: "FSD drives slowly through neighbourhood streets, and this was a high-speed crash!"

Elluswamy also criticised media coverage linking Tesla's self-driving technology to the crash, saying it spread "FUD [fear, uncertainty, and doubt] in the minds of the general public."

While investigators said the driver reported an automated driving assistance system was engaged, it has not been confirmed whether any specific self-driving feature was active at the time of the crash.

Federal scrutiny of Tesla's driver assistance systems

The NHTSA said on Monday it had opened a special investigation into the Texas crash.

Since 2016, the agency has launched nearly 50 special crash investigations involving Teslas in which advanced driver assistance systems, including Autopilot, were suspected of being in use. Those investigations have involved about two dozen reported fatalities.

Separately, the agency in March escalated its investigation into 3.2 million Tesla vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving over concerns that the system may fail to detect or adequately warn drivers in poor visibility conditions.

According to The Washington Post, the Texas crash has now been added to the agency's investigations involving Tesla's self-driving technology.

NHTSA typically opens more than 100 special crash investigations each year involving emerging vehicle technologies and other potential safety issues. Previous investigations have contributed to the development of vehicle safety regulations, including airbag standards.

Family prepares legal action

A spokesperson for law firm Zehl & Associates said it plans to file a lawsuit on behalf of Avila's family.

Jennifer Barbour, Avila's daughter, shared Ring camera footage showing what appeared to be the Tesla travelling at very high speed before disappearing from view as it struck the home.

"This is the car flying into my home. My mom didn't deserve this," Barbour wrote alongside the video.

Neighbours describe moments before impact

Jennifer Carson, who lives a few houses from Avila, told NBC News she was watching a film with a friend when she heard the collision.

"It sounded like thunder," she said.

Security footage captured by a neighbour and shared with NBC News showed the Tesla travelling through the residential subdivision moments before impact. After watching the footage, Carson said she was shocked by the vehicle's apparent speed.

"I don't know how someone could have gotten as fast as they did," she said.

Authorities have described the Tesla as travelling at a "high rate of speed" before crashing into the house.

Carson said speeding was common in the neighbourhood, adding that she frequently heard vehicles accelerating along the surrounding streets.

Although she did not know Avila's family well, Carson said they had lived in the neighbourhood for years. Another neighbour told NBC affiliate KPRC that Avila had been "like a second mother."

"It's a tragedy," the neighbour said.