Three recent high school graduates tragically lost their lives in a car crash involving a Tesla Cybertruck near Oakland, California, just before the Thanksgiving holiday. The incident occurred early on the morning of November 27 at around 3:08 a.m. Piedmont Police were alerted to the collision through an emergency notice from an iPhone.
When officers arrived at the scene at the intersection of Hampton Road and King Avenue, they found the vehicle completely engulfed in flames. Police Chief Jeremy Bowers announced during a news conference that three individuals had died from their injuries, while one other person was in serious condition and subsequently taken to the hospital. He noted that an uninvolved bystander was helping pull a passenger from the burning wreckage, suggesting that the group may have been together at a gathering before the crash.
While the names and ages of the victims have not been confirmed, reports indicate that all four individuals were recent graduates of Piedmont High School. According to various news sources, the victims were described as being back home from college for the holidays.
Authorities are investigating the crash to determine whether substances like alcohol or drugs were involved. Chief Bowers suggested that speeding could have played a role in the incident. He also mentioned that the intense flames made it difficult for police to respond initially, although fire crews were able to gain control of the fire once they arrived.
Investigations revealed that the Tesla “jumped the curb, struck a cement wall, and became wedged between the wall and a tree.” Bowers clarified that there are no indications that mechanical failure in the vehicle was a primary cause of the crash.
Community members, including former middle school teachers, expressed their heartbreak over the loss of these promising young individuals. Sandy Martin, a teacher who had known them, lamented the tragedy, saying, “This shouldn’t happen to any kids. But when you know them, it makes it worse.”
As the investigation continues, the Piedmont community is coming together to support the families affected by this devastating incident, especially during the holiday season.
