Canada: Four Indians Die in Fiery Tesla Crash, Safety Concerns Raised
Toronto, Canada – In a devastating incident, four Indian nationals lost their lives in a fiery Tesla crash in Toronto on October 24, 2024. The tragedy has put Tesla’s safety design under scrutiny, particularly its electronic doors, which reportedly failed during the critical moments.
The victims, all originally from Gujarat, India, were identified as Ketaba Gohil (29), her brother Neelraj Gohil (25), and friends Jayrajsingh Sisodia and Digvijay Patel. They were traveling in a Tesla Model Y when the vehicle hit a guard rail and burst into flames.
The Sole Survivor’s Escape
A woman in her 20s was the sole survivor of the horrific crash. She owes her life to Rick Harper, a Canada Post employee who acted heroically during the incident. Harper, who was driving by when he saw the burning car, used a metal pole to smash one of the vehicle’s windows and helped the survivor escape.
Recounting the event, Harper said, “I couldn’t open the doors. I would assume the young lady tried to open the door from the inside, but she couldn’t get out.” Once Harper broke the window, the survivor fell out head-first, covered in thick smoke. Unfortunately, the presence of other passengers in the car was not immediately apparent due to the intense smoke and flames.
Safety Concerns Surrounding Tesla’s Design
The crash has raised questions about Tesla’s electronic door mechanisms. Unlike conventional doors, Tesla models use power-dependent electronic buttons instead of handles, which can fail during a power outage or in accidents. While the Tesla Model Y features a manual override button, experts note that its location may be difficult to find during high-stress situations like a fire.
Captain Randy Schmitz of the Calgary Fire Department highlighted the challenges in such scenarios, stating, “In a crash, power can fail, making it extremely difficult to unlock the doors.”
The case has also drawn attention to Tesla’s broader safety record. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has nine ongoing investigations involving the Model Y, covering issues such as unexpected brake activation and sudden unintended acceleration.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, including whether the electronic systems or manual overrides contributed to the victims being trapped inside. Tesla has not yet commented on the incident.
A Growing Concern for EV Safety
As electric vehicles grow in popularity, this tragic incident has intensified discussions around their safety features, particularly in emergencies. Experts are calling for better public awareness of manual safety mechanisms and improved design standards to ensure accessibility during accidents.
The loss of these four lives is a somber reminder of the challenges surrounding new technology in vehicles. Families and communities in India and Canada continue to mourn the devastating loss.
