Lawsuit claims a Model Y driver survived an October 2025 crash but died because he was unable to open the doors of the burning EV.
Tesla is facing a lawsuit after a driver reportedly died trapped inside a burning Model Y because the doors would not open. The lawsuit references the driver’s words: “I can’t get out, please help me. It’s on fire.”
At least 15 deaths have allegedly been linked to Tesla’s door handle design; a redesign was announced following previous incidents.
As China prepares to ban vehicles with retractable door handles starting next year unless automakers equip them with mechanical release systems on both sides, Tesla has been struck with another lawsuit centered on this very issue.
The family of 20-year-old Samuel Tremblett, who died inside his burning Tesla Model Y following an October 29 crash on Route 138 in Easton, Massachusetts, filed a lawsuit against the automaker on February 4 in Massachusetts federal court.
According to the lawsuit, the Model Y’s electrically operated doors trapped Tremblett inside the burning vehicle after it veered off the southbound lane of Route 138 and came to rest in wooded terrain roughly 20 feet from the roadway.
The complaint states that Tremblett survived the single-vehicle accident and immediately called 911 in a panic as the car caught fire, telling operators he was unable to open the doors.
“I can’t get out, please help me. It’s on fire. Help please. I am going to die,” he told the emergency operator, based on transcripts of the call presented in court. Police later discovered his remains in the back seat of the vehicle, according to an incident report, suggesting that he may have attempted to open multiple doors before losing consciousness due to smoke inhalation and burns.
“Unable to open the doors, Mr. Tremblett was trapped in the Tesla vehicle and died from thermal injuries and smoke inhalation before he was able to be rescued,” the complaint filed in Massachusetts federal court states.
This lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal actions involving Tesla’s flush door handle design. Tesla has acknowledged awareness of the problem. In September 2025, one of the company’s top executives said a redesign of the door handles was in development.
Then, in December, Tesla updated its website to note that after a serious collision, the “doors will automatically unlock for emergency access,” while the hazard lights will activate to improve visibility. For Samuel Tremblett, however, that change reportedly came two months too late.
Every Tesla currently on the road uses two separate batteries: a high-voltage battery pack that powers the vehicle and a low-voltage battery responsible for essential interior systems such as the windows, door locks, and touchscreen. If the low-voltage battery fails or is disabled, the doors may not unlock electronically and must be opened manually from inside the cabin.
Although Tesla vehicles are equipped with mechanical door releases, many owners and passengers are unaware of their existence or struggle to locate and operate them, particularly in emergency situations.
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