Tesla on Autopilot Crashes Into Texas Home, Killing Elderly Woman

A Tesla Model 3 driven by Michael Butler crashed into a private home in Texas over the weekend after, according to the driver, its driver-assist system was activated. Butler lost control, left the road, and struck a brick house at high speed. An elderly woman who was inside the home was critically injured and later died in hospital after being airlifted there.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said the crash happened near 8 p.m. A preliminary investigation found that Butler failed to stay in his lane, drifted off the road, and entered the house at high speed. Police said, “Butler’s Tesla entered the residence at high speed and hit Avila, who was inside the house.”

Butler was also injured in the collision. Investigators said there were no signs that he was under the influence of alcohol, and that he is fully cooperating with authorities. As of Saturday afternoon, no charges had been filed and the investigation was still ongoing.

The case adds to a series of disputes and concerns in the United States over Tesla’s self-driving and driver-assist systems. In recent months, public debate over the safety of these technologies has intensified, with many drivers expressing distrust and some calling for a more “analog” driving experience without smart assistance.