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Woman dies after crashing Tesla into California swimming pool

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — A woman died after crashing her Tesla into a swimming pool in Northern California on Saturday, authorities said.

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According to the California Highway Patrol in Marin, the vehicle crashed in San Rafael, located north of San Francisco, KRON-TV reported. In a news release, the CHP said that the accident occurred at about 7:26 a.m. PST.

Troopers said the 2019 Tesla was traveling westbound on Point San Pedro Road in San Rafael when the driver “allowed the Tesla to veer towards the right.” The front of the vehicle collided with a fence, continued into the backyard of a residence and fell into an in-ground swimming pool.

Authorities have not indicated whether Tesla’s autopilot feature was functioning when it crashed, according to KRON.

According to CHP Officer Darrel Horner, the woman was not wearing a seatbelt during the crash and died at the scene from her injuries, KNTV reported.

Barbara Kuffner, who owns the residence, said that she was awakened by the crash.

“I hear a loud boom and like water, “Kuffner told KTVU. “I thought it was like thunder and lightning and rain and I saw flashing lights in the backyard, in the pool.”

Kuffner said she and a guest at her home ran to the pool.

“(He) was there trying to open the car and get the person out, but he couldn’t,” Kuffner told KTVU. “I called 911, and they came within five minutes,” she said.