An investigation by the Guardian has revealed that at least five Tesla Cybertrucks have caught fire since their launch two years ago, resulting in four deaths and multiple lawsuits. The fires have been so intense that they have disintegrated bones, and victims' families allege that the vehicle's design prevented escape.
In August 2024, a Cybertruck crashed off a Texas road and burst into flames. Firefighters struggled to extinguish the blaze as the battery kept reigniting. Inside, they found the remains of Michael Patrick Sheehan, a 47-year-old nurse practitioner. His family's lawsuit claims the crash was survivable, but the electric door handles failed to unlock, trapping him inside as temperatures reached 5,000°F.
Safety experts point to several design flaws: high-density laminated windows that are difficult to break, stainless steel bodywork that complicates rescue, and the absence of external door handles. These features, intended to make the truck 'apocalypse-proof,' have been criticised for prioritising style over safety.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has repeatedly praised the Cybertruck as 'incredible' and 'the best ever from Tesla,' despite ten recalls. The company did not respond to requests for comment. The families of victims are now pursuing legal action, arguing that the vehicle's design is inherently dangerous.
