What can possibly be a "trimmed Autopilot" version? This is the most accurate report so far that we have on what happened to Aleksey Tretyakov and to his children last August 10. He was driving his Tesla Model 3 and hit the back of a tow truck at 100 km/h at the Moscow Ring Road.

At first, reports claimed it was a Tesla Model S and that Tretyakov and his two children were seriously injured. But the first reports were wrong. Tretyakov was indeed hurt but not in a life-threatening way. 

There are conflicting reports on his injuries. According to Crimerussia.com, he was rescued with a broken nose and two broken legs. And his children had only bruises. According to IXBT.com, he had only one broken leg and a bruised chest. His children would have had a concussion and a closed-head injury.

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The reports are also different in what relates to the precise location of the accident. Crimerussia.com claims it happened at the km 37 of the Moscow Road Ring, while IXBT.com says it happened at the km 42.

 

Another difference in the report regards Autopilot. While Crimerussia.com says Tretyakov was driving (holding the wheel and at the ready) with the driver assistance activated – which would be the “trimmed Autopilot” we mentioned above – IXBT.com says the car was on Autopilot and the system failed to recognize the tow truck.

Crimerussia.com says Tretyakov stated he was driving with his hands on the wheel and that he did not see the truck. Something the video below makes us wonder. How could he not see it? Check it for yourself.

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The car clearly brakes before hitting the truck. Was it Tretyakov or Autopilot who pushed the brake pedal? More than that, the tow truck was in the left lane, way ahead of his Model 3. Tretyakov couldn't have not seen it if his eyes were on the road.

If you happen to live in Russia or if you understand the language, it would be nice if you had more info on what happened. We suspect that, despite protecting its occupants in a way no other car probably would, the Model 3 will be accused of causing this perfectly avoidable crash due to Autopilot. Just wait.

As usual, Tesla will be able to tell if Autopilot was engaged and if the driver really had his hands on the wheel. We will surely hear more about what happened in Moscow.

Sources: Crimerussia.com, IXBT.com, and Gagorun via Elektrek

Gallery: Tesla Model 3 In “Trimmed Autopilot” Hits Truck And Explodes In Moscow

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