Three teenagers from an affluent California neighborhood were killed in a fiery Tesla Cybertruck crash early Wednesday morning, just a few weeks after a similar incident that claimed the lives of four young adults in Toronto. The accident, which occurred in Piedmont, California, left the community devastated while investigations continued.

A Devastating Thanksgiving Tragedy

The victims, identified as Soren Dixon, Jack Nelson and Krysta Tsukahara, were all 19 years old and traveling in a Tesla Cybertruck when they reportedly lost control, jumped the curb and crashed into a concrete wall before crashing into a tree. The accident, which occurred around 03:00 at night, caused the vehicle to catch fire. The fourth passenger, 20-year-old Jordan Miller, survived but suffered severe burns. According to his motherHe is currently in intensive care and undergoing multiple surgeries.

The group of friends, all 2023 graduates of Piedmont High School, had returned home from universities in the United States to celebrate Thanksgiving. Dixon and Nelson were standout athletes in lacrosse and football, while Tsukahara was a competitive golfer.

Speed ​​Under Investigation

Piedmont police Chief Jeremy Bowers confirmed speed was being investigated as a possible factor in the crash. He also revealed that another car following the Tesla arrived at the scene and pulled Miller from the burning wreckage. “When help arrived the vehicle was completely submerged, making rescue efforts extremely challenging,” Bowers said.

The close-knit Piedmont community sprang into action in the wake of the tragedy. Residents, family members and friends gathered at the crash site to leave flowers, light candles and share memories. The annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot was dedicated to the victims, and Mayor Jen Cavenaugh observed a moment of silence.

AJ Harris, a close friend of both Dixon and Nelson, shared heartfelt memories on social media. “Two of the happiest men I have ever met; you lit up every room you entered. I will miss you every day,” Harris wrote.

A Similar Incident in Toronto

California crash bears chilling resemblance to incident in US toronto last month. On October 24, a Tesla carrying five passengers collided with a guardrail, then crashed into a concrete pillar and caught fire. While four people, aged between 26 and 32, were determined to have died at the scene, a passing driver managed to save the only survivor.

Both incidents highlighted the risks associated with high-speed travel and the difficulties of extinguishing electric vehicle fires that can reignite due to thermal runaway in battery cells.

Risks of Electric Vehicle Fires

Emergency responders in both California and Toronto noted the complexity of managing electric vehicle fires. According to fire officials, such fires require much more water to extinguish than gasoline-powered vehicle fires. In the Toronto crash, a battery cell from the Tesla was blown out during the crash and had to be removed and secured to prevent further combustion.

Piedmont Fire Chief David Brannigan stated that initial indications indicate that the Tesla Cybertruck’s main battery was not the source of the fire. However, the investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause.

Families Struggle with Loss

The families of the victims are deeply saddened. Jordan Miller’s mother, Samantha Miller, expressed cautious optimism about her son’s recovery but described the situation as heartbreaking. “We live through this situation every day and we pray for him to get over it,” he said.

Soren Dixon’s roommate, Bronson Boyle, remembered him as “the best friend and roommate I could ever ask for,” adding: “I’ll toast to you every day forever.”

While the investigation continues, authorities and community leaders are urging caution on the roads, especially during the holiday season. “This is a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life is,” Chief Bowers said. “Our thoughts are with the families affected by this unthinkable tragedy.”