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A tragic solo vehicle accident involving a Tesla Cybertruck in Piedmont, Northern California, early Wednesday morning has left three young adults dead and a fourth critically injured, authorities said.
The crash occurred around 3 a.m. at the intersection of Hampton Road and King Avenue. The vehicle reportedly struck a retaining wall before crashing into a tree, bursting into flames upon impact. Piedmont police confirmed that all three occupants died at the scene, while a fourth was rescued by a passing motorist and rushed to the hospital.
CBS News Bay Area identified the deceased as recent Piedmont High School graduates Jack Nelson, Soren Dixon, and Krysta Tsukahara. All three were home from college for the Thanksgiving holiday. The survivor, Jordan Miller, remains hospitalized in critical condition following surgery.
Sandy Martin, a former teacher of the victims, described them as “great kids” and expressed heartbreak over the loss. “It’s just so horrible,” Martin said through tears.
Piedmont Police Chief Jeremy Bowers stated that speed was a likely factor in the collision, though investigators are still examining other potential causes. Preliminary findings indicate no mechanical issues with the Cybertruck, nor any evidence that the vehicle’s lithium battery contributed to the fire.
The Piedmont Fire Department quickly extinguished the blaze, which Fire Chief Dave Brannigan described as resembling a “typical car fire.”
An iPhone alert from inside the vehicle initially notified authorities of the crash, followed by a resident’s 911 call reporting the burning car.
The accident has left the Piedmont community reeling. The city has announced that this year’s annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot will include a moment of silence and remarks from Mayor Jen Cavenaugh in memory of the victims.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed it is reviewing details from local authorities and Tesla as part of its investigation into the crash.
As the community mourns this devastating loss, city officials encourage residents to come together to support one another during this difficult time.
