Tesla vehicles are some of the safest cars on the road. Now, a major accident has shown just how safe these vehicles can be, after a Model Y plunged some 250 feet down a cliff at Devil’s Side in San Mateo, California.
The incident happened on Monday, January 2, 2023, and footage shows a heavily damaged white Tesla sitting at the bottom of the rocks, tens of feet away from the surf. The vehicle looked like it had flipped multiple times before landing on its wheels. Airbags were deployed and the car was totally smashed up.
According to Brian Pottenger, Battalion Chief for Coastside Fire Protection District/Cal Fire, the Tesla was traveling southbound on Highway 1. Rescue teams arrived and surveilled the area, but were shocked to see movement from the vehicle. A 4-year-old girl and 9-year-old boy were rescued, along with two adults, all conscious and alert when first responders arrived on the scene.
This morning, a vehicle with 2 adults and 2 minors went over cliff at Devil's Slide in @sanmateoco. Witnesses saw the accident and called 911. The car plunged hundreds of feet down the cliff and landed on the beach. All four patients were successfully rescued. Watch the video! pic.twitter.com/HUM2SJ56Oy
— CAL FIRE CZU (@CALFIRECZU) January 3, 2023
“We go there all the time for cars over the cliff and they never live. This was an absolute miracle,” Pottenger told ABC7News. He said the kids were “more scared than they were hurt.”
There was no guardrail where the Tesla drove off the cliff.
According to an update on Tuesday, Julian Glover from ABC7News said, “Woah. Major update: @CHPSanFrancisco has arrested the man who was behind the wheel. Police said it appears the crash was intentional, based on their investigation. The driver of the Tesla has been placed under arrest for attempted murder & child abuse.”
“CHP said in a statement the driver is being treated for his injuries & will be booked into San Mateo County Jail They’re asking for any witnesses to call @CHPSanFrancisco at (415) 557-1094,” added Glover.
One of the first responders, Brock Sommerset, said, “@elonmusk Got me seriously wanting to buy a Tesla. Was on this rescue, 250 ft off Devils Slide, all occupants survived. #ThatsaTD.”
@elonmusk Got me seriously wanting to buy a Tesla. Was on this rescue, 250 ft off Devils Slide, all occupants survived. #ThatsaTD pic.twitter.com/uCrlrAWsIX
— Brock Sommerset (@BrockSommerset) January 3, 2023
