WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. auto safety investigators announced on Monday they will be investigating the tragic April crash of a VinFast VF 8 electric vehicle in Pleasanton, California, which resulted in the deaths of a family of four.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated the probe will examine the circumstances of the April 24 crash and the subsequent fire. According to a complaint filed with the agency, steering issues may have contributed to the accident that killed a couple and their children, aged 13 and 9.
Pleasanton Police reported that the driver in the single-vehicle accident appeared to have lost control and collided with a large oak tree. They also noted that speed may have been a factor.
Vietnamese automaker VinFast, which began selling vehicles in the United States in 2023, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The NHTSA typically initiates over 100 special crash investigations annually into emerging technologies and other potential auto safety issues.
The complaint submitted to NHTSA after the crash mentioned that the steering wheel automatically maneuvered to the right, but the driver managed to regain control. Police informed local media that the family did not own the car.
TechCrunch reported the investigation earlier on Monday.