A tragic accident occurred early Saturday in Pasadena, California, when a speeding Tesla Model 3 went airborne and hit a pole killing three people and injuring three others. The accident took place around 2:30 a.m. in a zone marked for 35 mph, where the vehicle was reportedly traveling at an excessive speed.

Cause of the Accident

According to Lt. Anthony Russo of the Pasadena Police Department, the Tesla was carrying six passengers and failed to navigate a slight curve. This miscalculation led to the car striking a curb, becoming airborne, and subsequently colliding with a power pole before smashing through a building.

The impact was severe enough to eject three passengers from the back seat. Authorities confirmed that the driver and two passengers were pronounced dead at the scene. The three other occupants sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital.

Victims and Witness Account

The deceased and injured include four males and two females, aged between 17 and 22. Lt. Russo mentioned that the identities of the victims are withheld pending family notification. At the scene, Nicholas Fernandez, a witness, observed three individuals lying in the street alongside downed power lines. He reported a temporary loss of electricity in his home, which was later restored.

The crash caused significant disruptions, with more than 500 residential and business units losing power. Lisa Derderian, a spokesperson for the city of Pasadena, stated that power was restored later that day. Authorities are investigating the speeding Tesla that went airborne, including analyzing any data recorded by the Model 3 at the time of the accident. Lt. Russo did not confirm whether intoxication played a role in the incident, leaving it as a matter under investigation.

This accident raises concerns about high-speed driving and the importance of adhering to road safety rules. Local officials are likely to scrutinize the circumstances of the crash to understand better how such tragic outcomes can be prevented in the future.

Image Source: New York Post