Federal authorities investigate electric vehicle accident that killed California family

An electric vehicle made in Vietnam is under investigation by federal investigators after one of its models was involved in a serious accident that killed a family of four from Pleasanton, California.

Tarun George and his wife Rincy George, both 41, and sons Rowan, 13, and Aaron, 9, died when their VinFast VF 8 crashed on April 24. As they were driving along Foothill Road in Pleasanton around 9 p.m., their car “appeared to have lost control and collided with a large oak tree,” according to a report from the Pleasanton Police Department.

According to police officials, speed may have played a role in the incident.

Investigators later determined that the car collided with a pole and then a tree and caught fire immediately after the collision. As police cleared the scene that night, the car reportedly fired again a few times, according to KABC-TV.

VinFast is a multinational automobile manufacturer founded in 2017 and based in Vietnam.

The National Highway Safety Board is investigating the VinFast VF 8 in response to a complaint from a co-worker of one of the Georges.

In the complaint, the colleague stated that the VF 8’s software incorrectly turned the steering wheel to the right on more than one occasion while the colleague was driving, causing the car to pull out of its lane. The colleague, who was able to regain control of the steering wheel and maneuver the car into the correct lane, expressed concern about what caused the George family’s accident.

VinFast representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

According to the VinFast website, the VF 8 model is equipped with “Advanced Driving Assistance” features, but it is unclear whether these played a role in the accident.