Tesla China has promised to cooperate fully with authorities in investigating a crash involving a Model 3. The accident occurred in Rui’an, Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, and claimed a life of a passenger in the vehicle. The driver sustained injuries.
The crash occurred on February 17th, with the Model 3 crashing into a bus in an urban area. Surveillance cameras captured the car nearly hitting an electric bicycle and other cars at a junction before stopping. However, when it ran into the bus, the brake lights appeared inactive.
The Model 3’s speed was so high that it nearly landed on its front section after exiting a bridge. When it finally hit the bus, it damaged three other cars.
Tesla China released a statement to the local media Hongxing News that they were “deeply saddened” by the incident and pledged to work fully with the authorities as they investigate the cause of the crash. Tesla China also implored people not to spread unconfirmed information pending the conclusion of the investigation.
The company said, “We are deeply saddened about this accident. We fully understand everyone’s concern about this accident. Currently, the local traffic police are investigating the cause of the crash, and we will do our best to cooperate with the authorities. We also ask everyone not to believe or spread unconfirmed information.”
Rumors have begun spreading that the crash was caused by a fault in the car. Tesla China has had to fight against misinformation in China, including some lawsuits it has won. The rumours have had an apparent affect on sales, with Tesla employees saying the accident has “affected sales to some extent,” with some sources on Twitter claiming as much as a 25% reduction in new orders after the crash.
The latest Wenzhou Tesla accident has had a significant impact on Tesla China, with new orders down 20-25%.
— Chris Zheng (@ChrisZheng001) February 19, 2023
You can watch the footage of the crash below. Viewer discretion is advised.
