Tesla drives off a 76-meter high cliff, but occupants, including two children, survive “miraculously”: father suspected of attempted murder | Abroad

“This was an absolute miracle,” said firefighter Brian Pottenger, after four people were rescued from a Tesla that had driven off a 76-meter-deep cliff. On Tuesday, authorities reported that 41-year-old driver Dharmesh Patel is accused of deliberately driving the car with his daughter (7), son (4) and wife (41) off the California cliff.


Yorick Dupon

4 Jan. 2023


Latest update:
10:51


Source:
AP, The New York Times, Twitter

The sedan of the electric car brand Tesla drove off the highway on Monday US time and landed on the rocks at the bottom of the cliff. During the 250-foot (76 m) dive, the car reportedly flipped over several times before landing. The Tesla landed on its wheels, a short distance from the seawater.

The car was traveling on Pacific Coast Highway in northern California, about 20 miles from San Francisco, in an area known as “Devil’s Slide.” It got that name because of the many fatal car accidents.

The two children and two adults were trapped in the Tesla, but were rescued by the fire department. Only Patel and his wife emerged from the wreckage injured, but were not in danger. They were taken to hospital by helicopter.

“It is very unusual for anyone in this area to survive an accident of this magnitude,” said firefighter Pottenger after the rescue. to ‘The New York Times’.

LOOK. Images show how rescuers free the occupants by helicopter

The highway police came to the conclusion on Tuesday afternoon that there was “an intentional act”. This is evident after an analysis of the crash and an interview with witnesses.

A spokesperson did not want to say to ‘The New York Times’ exactly what evidence was found. He only wanted to say that the arrest for a suspected murder attempt and child abuse is “justified”.

According to authorities, it is unclear whether the Tesla was in self-driving mode, but according to the highway police, that would not have contributed to the crash.

“Good news”, responded Tesla CEO Elon Musk on the news that the four occupants were taken alive from his car brand.


Anyone with questions about suicide can contact the Suicide Line on the free number 1813 and on www.zelfmoord1813.be.

Left: The Tesla wreckage at the bottom of California's Devil's Slide.  Right: A helicopter was used for the rescue operation.  (Photomontage HLN)

Left: The Tesla wreckage at the bottom of California’s Devil’s Slide. Right: A helicopter was used for the rescue operation. (Photomontage HLN) © AP

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