The Tesla Model Y has a perfect five-star safety rating, and is one of the safest cars ever tested. That high level of safety was on full display after a serious crash in California on Monday. A Model Y carrying a family of four veered off Highway 1 at Devil’s Slide in San Mateo County, tumbling 250 feet down a steep cliff before coming to a rest on a rocky section of beach.
Initial media reports after the accident occurred said the family, which included a 4-year old and 9-year old, suffered serious injuries and were airlifted to hospital. After seeing just how steep the cliff is and the condition of the Model Y after the accident, that outcome would have been miraculous in and of itself, and a testament to the high level of safety of Tesla vehicles.
UPDATE January 3 4:05pm PT: According to ABC7 reported Julian Glover, CHP San Francisco have arrested the driver of vehicle. Based on their investigation the driver intentionally drove off the side of the cliff. As a result he has been charged with attempted murder and child abuse. You can read more here.
However the outcome was even better than that. The San Mateo County Sherriff’s office later announced that the two adults suffered non life-threatening injuries, and amazingly the two children were unharmed, with Coastside Fire Protection Dist. Battalion Chief Brian Pottinger saying it was “nothing short of a miracle today that they survived,” let alone walk away without serious injury.
This afternoon, deputies responded to a solo vehicle over the side of Hwy 1 south of the Tom Lantos tunnel. Two adults suffered non-life threatening injuries and two children were unharmed. Tremendous collaborative effort btwn SMSO, @CHP_GoldenGate and @calfireSCU pic.twitter.com/sVyKp6LSrc
— San Mateo County S.O (@SMCSheriff) January 3, 2023
In footage taken by KTVU we can see one of the parents still inside the car shortly after the accident signaling for help. Realizing the serious nature of the accident first responders decided to use rope to hoist the two children from the scene, one of which can be seen being carried by a rescuer after being removed from the Tesla.
Helicopters were then brought it to remove the parents, after which the family of four was airlifted to Stanford Medical Center for treatment and observation.
There have been a number of serious accidents involving Tesla vehicles over the year in which the occupants miraculously survive, but this one may be the most extreme we have ever seen. You can footage of the rescue from KTVU below.
Video from @CHP_GoldenGate helicopter showing rescue operation of couple who along w/their 2 kids plunged over cliff at Devil’s Slide in @Tesla. Firefighters rappelled down to rescue kids. Victims in critical condition. @CHPSanFrancisco investigating circumstances pic.twitter.com/tdUszWr2aD
— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) January 3, 2023
