Multiple Fatal Tesla Fires Raise Safety Concerns Over Locked Doors

Two tragic incidents involving Tesla vehicles have raised serious safety concerns about the cars' ability to allow occupants to escape during fires. In North Miami Beach, Julie Eibinder died after her Tesla Model 3 was cut off by an SUV, crashed into a pole, and caught fire; first responders struggled to open the doors and break the windows before the flames engulfed the vehicle, preventing her rescue. Similarly, in Piedmont, California, Krysta Tsukahara died trapped inside a burning Tesla Cybertruck after a crash; a wrongful death lawsuit alleges the car's electronic doors failed to open due to a loss of power, and the manual release was too difficult to find amid the chaos. Authorities in both cases highlighted difficulties rescuers faced in accessing the occupants, with concerns about lithium battery fires complicating efforts. Tesla has responded by developing new door handle designs combining manual and electronic release systems to improve safety, though critics argue these changes are overdue. These incidents have intensified scrutiny on Tesla's safety protocols and the risks posed by their electric vehicle designs in crash scenarios.