Tesla Cybertruck Owner Dies Trapped in Burning EV Because Doors Won’t Open When Power Cuts Out

A tragic incident in Texas has reignited concerns about Tesla’s Cybertruck safety. In a harrowing event, a Tesla Cybertruck owner dies after becoming trapped inside his burning vehicle following a crash. The victim’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, alleging Tesla’s design flaw prevented escape after the power cut out, leading to a preventable and devastating loss.

Crash Details: Tesla Cybertruck Owner Dies in Fiery Accident

On August 5, 2024, Michael Sheehan was driving a Tesla Cybertruck in Baytown, Texas, when the vehicle veered off the road, hit a culvert, and erupted in flames. According to the lawsuit filed in Harris County, the crash was survivable. However, Sheehan became trapped because the Cybertruck’s doors would not open once the power failed.

The Tesla Cybertruck owner dies in a situation his family claims was entirely preventable. The lawsuit states the vehicle was “defectively designed,” citing the inability to manually open doors post-power loss and Tesla’s failure to provide proper training or warnings for emergency egress.

The lawsuit also targets a local Mont Belvieu bar that allegedly over-served Sheehan alcohol, contributing to the crash.

Other Fatal Incidents & Safety Concerns Surrounding the Cybertruck

This is not the only fatal incident involving the Cybertruck. In another crash in Piedmont, California, three college students died after their Cybertruck caught fire. One survivor was pulled out by a witness, but Krysta Tsukahara, seated in the back right seat, died because her door didn’t open. Her family has also filed a lawsuit, citing similar safety concerns.

Launched in November 2023, the Tesla Cybertruck generated intense buzz due to its futuristic design. Yet safety experts were skeptical from the beginning. Despite a five-star crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, critics noted several alarming trends, including:

• A higher rate of fire fatalities than the infamous Ford Pinto.
• Multiple recalls for dangerous issues like faulty acceleration pedals.
• Exterior panels detaching during use.

The sharp, angular design and reliance on electronic systems for basic functions have raised questions about Tesla’s safety priorities—especially when manual overrides fail during emergencies.

Legal Action & Public Scrutiny Continue to Build

Michael Sheehan’s family is now seeking over $1 million in damages. The case marks the first known Cybertruck-related wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla. Legal experts expect more lawsuits could follow if systemic design flaws are proven.

As public scrutiny intensifies and more details emerge, Tesla’s approach to innovation vs. safety will likely face even greater pressure.

You might also want to read this: Ozzy Osbourne Posted a Touching Final Post on Social Media 1 Day Before Sudden Death