A dramatic scene unfolded on Miami Beach's iconic Ocean Drive when a Tesla Model 3 veered out of control and smashed into the front of a busy restaurant, sending terrified tourists fleeing for their lives.
Shocking mobile footage captured the white electric vehicle mounting the pavement and crashing through the outdoor seating area of the establishment, narrowly missing pedestrians who scrambled to escape the path of the out-of-control car.
Chaos on the Coastline
The incident occurred around 8pm on Tuesday evening, when the popular tourist strip was bustling with visitors enjoying the warm Florida weather. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as the Tesla ploughed through barriers and furniture before coming to a stop inside the restaurant's entrance.
"People were screaming and running in all directions," one bystander reported. "It was absolute chaos - one moment people were dining peacefully, the next they were diving out of the way of this car."
Miraculous Escape
Remarkably, despite the severity of the impact and the crowded location, initial reports indicate only minor injuries were sustained. Two individuals were treated at the scene for shock and minor cuts, while the driver was taken to hospital for evaluation.
Miami Beach Police and Fire Rescue units responded rapidly to the emergency, cordoning off the area and assessing the structural damage to the building facade.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash, with early speculation focusing on potential accelerator malfunction or driver error. The Tesla was later towed from the scene for technical examination.
This incident raises fresh questions about vehicle safety in crowded urban environments and comes amid ongoing scrutiny of electric vehicle acceleration systems.
The restaurant remains closed temporarily while structural engineers assess the damage and repairs are carried out to the extensively damaged frontage.
