“We are still in shock”

Four people dead, trapped in a burning Tesla: this is the result of a car accident that occurred last weekend near Niort (Deux-Sèvres). This electric model caught fire after hitting a pole, trapping its occupants. Three of the four victims worked in a restaurant. Their boss is in shock.

Dramatic accident this weekend near Niort, in Deux-Sèvres. Four people aged 15, 21, 25 and 65 died in a road accident involving a model from the manufacturer Tesla. The electric vehicle instantly burst into flames after the accident, trapping the occupants. An investigation is opened by the Niort public prosecutor’s office to determine the causes of the tragedy.

The four victims were leaving a restaurant. At the entrance, wreaths of flowers were placed by residents. Daniel Mautret, the boss, lost three of his employees in this accident.

“We are still in shock. Jérémy was to take over, from January 1, the management of my establishment, and all that today is destroyed by what has just happened,” he confides.

Speed ​​at the time of the accident unknown

Jérémy was his head chef. The pastry chef and his apprentice were also in the car. The owner was one of his friends, who was dining at the restaurant the evening of the tragedy. He had several luxury cars. “Turns out it was the 1,000 horsepower Tesla Plaid. Jérémy and Mathis wanted to take a tour of the vehicle. Both were passionate,” confides the owner of the establishment.

But this ultra-fast and nervous vehicle, still rare in France, is driven with caution. How fast were they driving during the accident? The investigation must determine this. But just after leaving the road, the vehicle burst into flames. A sequence which still raises questions for the boss.

“What worries me today is to see a car which, even though it has only hit a sign, bursts into flames… I find that a bit dangerous. It still raises questions,” he says.

While he also drives electric, he is now thinking of selling his car. But Pierre-Yve Debuisne, automobile risk expert, puts the risk incurred by drivers of electric vehicles into perspective this Tuesday morning on RMC.

“There is a risk of fire on any type of vehicle, whether it is a fossil fuel car, therefore gasoline, diesel or LPG. But also for vehicles with a hybrid or even electric engine. There is an additional risk. Today, if we have a short circuit aggravated by degradation, we can have thermal runaway under certain conditions,” he explains.