Top auto regulator opens special probe after a Tesla slams into a Texas home, killing a 76-year-old - WTOP News

Published
June 22, 2026
Location
Katy, Texas
brick home in Katy
Incident type
Crash

Summary

Car Crash Katy Texas in Katy, Texas: A Tesla Model 3 using an automated driving feature slammed into a brick home in Katy, Texas, near Houston, at high speed on Friday, killing 76-year-old Martha Avila, who was standing inside the home. The NHTSA opened a special investigation into the crash, and video showed the car traveling at top speed over the front lawn before ramming into a front room.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Martha Avila Unknown Fatal
Tesla driver (unnamed) At-fault party

Original reporting

Top auto regulator opens special probe after a Tesla slams into a Texas home, killing a 76-year-old - WTOP News

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