Details of the deadly Cybertruck incident that killed three young adults and badly injured a fourth last week in the city of Piedmont, Northern California, are currently being reviewed by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration.
On Wednesday morning, NHTSA representatives told CBS News Bay Area that the agency was gathering information about the fatal crash that occurred early on November 27.
“NHTSA is aware of the crash and is gathering information from the manufacturer and law enforcement,” the agency said in a statement. Nevertheless, authorities stated that they are “in the information gathering stage” and that no formal inquiry has yet been launched.
The little East Bay neighborhood, which is part of Oakland, was the scene of the terrible crash on Hampton Road and King Avenue shortly after three in the morning on Wednesday.
According to authorities, the driver of a car behind the Cybertruck at the time of the collision retrieved a fourth person from the flaming debris, and three persons perished in the collision.
Piedmont Police Chief Jeremy Bowers stated during a press conference on Wednesday that it was evident speed was at least one contributing factor in the incident, suggesting that the Cybertruck may have been moving too quickly when it struck the retaining wall along the road before colliding with the tree.
Bowers stated on Wednesday that the reason of the crash and the fire that followed were still being investigated. He stated that there was no indication that the Cybertruck had any technical issues or that the lithium battery within the vehicle contributed to the incident.
On Thanksgiving Day, the mayor of Piedmont spoke about the tragedy during a memorial service for the deceased that took place prior to the annual turkey trot. In an interview with CBS News Bay Area on Friday, the mother of the surviving crash victim named her son and the three fatalities.
Late Friday morning, Jordan Miller’s mother, Samantha Miller, reported that her son was back in surgery. She verified that he is a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin, aged 20.
The identities of the other three youths who perished in the collision were verified by her. Krysta Tsukahara was the female victim, and Jack Nelson and Soren Dixon were the two male victims.
In 2023, all four of the collision fatalities were sophomores in their respective colleges after graduating from Piedmont High School. Among the graduates who perished in the catastrophe, Tsukahara was enrolled at Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, Dixon was a student at USC, and Nelson was a student at the University of Colorado.
Early on Friday night, Piedmont Park hosted a candlelight tribute in memory of the fatalities. A sizable audience attended the event to honor the individuals who died and to express their support for Miller.
Piedmont officials provided the three victims’ families’ statements and a request for privacy on Saturday. Additionally, the note stated that the families had no plans to make any more public statements.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.