What happened to Samuel Tremblett in his Tesla?

Samuel Tremblett died after becoming trapped in a burning Tesla Model Y following a car crash in Massachusetts on October 29, 2025.

Why is Tesla being sued?

Tesla is being sued because the lawsuit alleges that the vehicle's electronic door handles failed to open after a crash, preventing escape from the subsequent fire.

Are there other safety concerns about Tesla door handles?

Yes, there are concerns linked to at least 15 similar deaths since 2016 and ongoing investigations by US safety regulators into nearly 200,000 Tesla vehicles for door handle safety.

Home / Crime and Justice / Tesla Doors Fail: Driver Trapped in Fire

Tesla Doors Fail: Driver Trapped in Fire

7 Feb

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Summary

A young Tesla driver died trapped in a burning car.
Lawsuit alleges electronic door handles failed after a crash.
Similar deaths prompt safety investigations and a China ban.

Tesla Doors Fail: Driver Trapped in Fire

A wrongful death lawsuit was filed on Wednesday against Tesla by the mother of Samuel Tremblett, a 20-year-old Syracuse University student who died tragically. Tremblett became trapped in a burning Tesla Model Y after a crash in Easton, Massachusetts, on October 29, 2025.

During a harrowing 911 call, Tremblett informed the operator he was stuck and struggling to breathe as flames engulfed the vehicle. Police arrived promptly but were unable to perform a rescue due to the severe blaze, which reportedly involved multiple explosions.

The lawsuit alleges a defect in Tesla's electronic door handles, which require power to operate, failed to open after the crash. It claims the design is unreasonably dangerous, especially in crash scenarios involving electrical failures.