The primary vehicle safety regulator in the United States has initiated a formal investigation into an April tragedy involving the fully electric VinFast VF8 SUV that resulted in the tragic loss of a family of four, as reported by TechCrunch.
This unfortunate incident took place in Pleasanton, California around 9 p.m. on April 24. Local authorities stated at the time that the vehicle seemed to lose control, leading to a collision with an oak tree and subsequent fire. A representative from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) informed TechCrunch that their Special Crash Investigations unit will be conducting an extensive examination of the crash circumstances and the ensuing fire.
The individuals involved have been identified as Tarun and Rincy George, along with their two children, according to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department. It is important to note that they were not the owners of the vehicle.
Following the tragic event, a complaint was filed with NHTSA revealing that the owner had loaned the electric vehicle to a colleague. The alleged owner had encountered an incident where the car’s lane assist feature abruptly steered the vehicle to the right, as per the complaint.
In regards to this unfortunate situation, the National Transportation Safety Board indicated to TechCrunch that they have not initiated an investigation at this time. The Pleasanton Police Department continues to probe the incident while VinFast has yet to provide a response to queries.
Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast commenced the delivery of its VF8 SUV to the U.S. market in early 2023. However, the launch encountered several challenges. The company faced criticism from reviewers regarding subpar quality. In May 2023, a recall was issued due to issues with the dashboard screen going blank. Additionally, there was an NHTSA complaint mentioning an incident where the driver assistance system unexpectedly steered the car.
FAQs
Q: What prompted the NHTSA to investigate the crash involving the VinFast VF8 SUV?
A: The investigation was launched following a tragic accident in Pleasanton, California, resulting in the deaths of a family of four.
Conclusion
The investigation into the VinFast VF8 SUV crash is ongoing, with authorities and regulators working diligently to uncover the circumstances that led to this unfortunate event. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this tragedy.
