Overview

PASADENA, Calif. — In a horrifying incident early on Saturday, a
single-vehicle collision took the lives of three people and left
three others hospitalized in Pasadena. According to the Pasadena
Police Department, the accident occurred around 2:30 a.m. near the
intersection of Sierra Madre and Foothill boulevards. The incident
involved a Tesla Model 3, which crashed into an unoccupied building,
causing severe damage. The ages of the occupants ranged from 17 to
22, with three of them being ejected from the vehicle during impact.

Details of the Incident

Police Lieutenant Anthony Russo informed ABC7 that the driver and two
passengers tragically lost their lives on the scene, while the
survivors were rushed to a hospital and are currently in stable
condition with serious injuries.

The collision, which caused the Tesla to hit a curb, resulted in the
vehicle being propelled into the air, subsequently striking a city
light pole, a power pole, and eventually the unoccupied building.
Terrifyingly, the impact caused three of the vehicle’s occupants to be
ejected. The building suffered significant damage, and a power line
was brought down, necessitating the temporary closure of the
intersection until it was later reopened.

Authorities stated that excessive speed was a critical factor in the
collision. Lt. Russo disclosed that the Tesla was traveling at over
twice the speed limit, ran a red light, and ultimately lost control.

Additionally, investigators are examining whether the Tesla’s Autopilot
feature was engaged and are trying to determine the vehicle’s
speed at the time of the crash. It also came to light that there were
four occupants in the backseat, all of whom were found to be without
seatbelts.

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities are actively investigating the incident, striving to
ascertain the exact circumstances that led to this devastating crash.
Understanding the speed of the vehicle, as well as the potential
involvement of Tesla’s Autopilot feature, will be crucial in their
assessment.