Tragic, Fiery Tesla Accident Reported in Manhattan

In February of 2025, Manhattan saw yet another Tesla accident. This time, the incident ended in fire and tragedy – claiming the life of one and severely injuring another. It is too early to tell whether this was a human error or some kind of software issue. As with virtually every Tesla crash these days, the immediate question is whether the Autopilot system was engaged at the time of the crash. If you have been involved in a Tesla crash, you might want to speak with an experienced New York auto accident lawyer.

Tesla Overturns Before Setting on Fire in Manhattan 

The NYPD says that the driver of a Tesla died after being ejected from their vehicle at 3 AM near 72nd Street. The female driver reportedly hit a guardrail, causing the vehicle to flip over. After the driver was ejected, the vehicle came to a halt and burst into flames. A passenger in the vehicle was also ejected, although he survived the collision. Although the nature of his injuries was not immediately clear, one can only assume that they were serious.

It is worth noting that both of the occupants were ejected from the vehicle before it burst into flames. This suggests that they were not wearing their seatbelts, although this is pure speculation. Regardless of seatbelt use, it is fair to say that they would have suffered fatal or near-fatal injuries anyway. If they had remained in the vehicle, they would have been exposed to toxic fumes and fire. Both of these factors may have proven deadly, especially if the victims were unconscious inside the wreckage due to head injuries.

Once again, people are asking whether the Tesla had its “Autopilot” feature engaged at the moment of the crash. Witnesses say that the vehicle was going at least 120 miles per hour when it hit the guardrail. The impact was so severe that witnesses reported seeing the vehicle split in half.

The e-battery fire after the collision was described by first responders as “stubborn,” as is often the case with these vehicles. ABC News noted that these lithium-ion batteries “pose a major hazard” with flames that are difficult to extinguish.

Crashes like these are becoming all too common in New York. Just a few months ago, another Tesla burst into flames in White Plains, trapping and killing two women inside. These batteries have a habit of igniting and then reigniting many times, even after firefighters extinguish the flames. This is because the battery seems to reach extremely high temperatures and continued to ignite flames because of this extreme heat.

Key Takeaways 

• Tesla crashes often end with fiery blazes
• Often, electric vehicle batteries ignite after serious crashes
• There are questions as to whether Tesla’s Autopilot system can cause crashes

Can a Manhattan Auto Accident Lawyer Help Me? 

If you’ve been searching for an accident lawyer in Manhattan, look no further than Cohan Law, PLLC. Over the years, we have helped numerous victims throughout Manhattan – and we know how dangerous Tesla crashes can be. Whether you’re struggling with a traumatic brain injury or a disfiguring burn, we may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve. Schedule a consultation today to learn more.

Sources: 

abc7ny.com/post/upper-east-side-nyc-fatal-crash-driver-killed-passenger-hurt-tesla-crashes-fdr-drive/15863462/

nypost.com/2025/02/04/us-news/female-driver-killed-as-tesla-flips-and-bursts-into-flames-on-nycs-fdr-drive/