Tesla sued over claim faulty doors led to deaths in fiery crash

Tesla vehicles have two batteries: one for low-voltage power to windows, doors, the touchscreen and other functions, and the high-voltage pack that propels the car. – Reuters

Tesla Inc was sued over a crash in Wisconsin last November that killed all five occupants of a Model S who allegedly became trapped in a fast-moving inferno when the doors wouldn’t open, adding to scrutiny over whether a design choice by the automaker is a fatal flaw.

The suit was filed on behalf of a couple who died when the four-door sedan hit a tree and caught on fire. Jeffrey Bauer, 54, and Michelle Bauer, 55, survived the initial impact, but were unable to escape because the doors locked them inside, according to the complaint brought by their children in state court.