Tesla driver claims Autopilot was engaged when vehicle crashed into Katy home, killing resident
A 76-year-old woman died after a Tesla collided with a house in Katy, Texas, while the driver said the car was on Autopilot. Police are investigating the cause of the loss of speed control.
A Tesla struck a residence on Rose Hollow Lane in the Katy area at about 8:30 p.m. on Friday, killing a 76-year-old woman who was inside the home. The vehicle’s driver told investigators that the car’s Autopilot system was active at the time of the crash, according to the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office.
"We're still evaluating what caused that car to fail to control its speed just before this crash," said Sgt. A. Turman. "We've asked people who are familiar with Teslas, as well as the driver involved in the car, to see what role the driver's control over the car played in this crash."
Emergency responders transported the driver to a hospital and air-lifted the victim to Memorial Hermann, where she was later pronounced dead. Neighbors reported hearing the vehicle traveling at high speed before it left the roadway and entered the house. Video obtained by local media showed the car moving quickly along the street moments before impact.
Authorities said the driver failed to stay within a single lane, left the road, and struck the home at a high rate of speed. The investigation remains ongoing.
