Tesla sued by Florida family after vehicle fire destroys home

A Florida family has filed a federal lawsuit against Tesla, alleging that a 2021 Model S Plaid exploded in their garage, destroying their multimillion-dollar home during Hurricane Helene.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, claims the vehicle's battery system was exposed to saltwater during the hurricane, triggering the fire. While the family members—including Michael Murphy’s wife, daughters, and in-laws—were rescued, the fire spread so rapidly that the family's dog was unable to be saved.

The plaintiffs contend that Tesla had received “multiple warnings that its vehicles were prone to sudden and explosive fires when their batteries were exposed to water,” yet continued to market and sell the vehicles. A Tesla spokesperson has not yet responded to requests for comment.