Tesla Crashes into Miami Beach Restaurant: The Shocking Scene Unfolds

An extraordinary incident involving a rented Tesla was caught on camera this past Sunday morning in Miami Beach. The car crashed into a palm tree and the patio of a closed restaurant, with the occupants fleeing the scene while taking their belongings. The crash took place in front of Norman’s Tavern, located at 6770 Collins Avenue, sparking widespread concern due to the severity of the impact and the apparent lack of serious legal consequences.

Surveillance footage from the restaurant captured the entire sequence of events. The video shows a white Tesla bursting onto the restaurant's patio, smashing through outdoor furniture, and violently colliding with a palm tree, which was uprooted in the impact. Tables, chairs, and debris were scattered across the patio area. Other footage shared by the Only in Dade account revealed at least three men exiting the vehicle, seemingly bewildered and anxious, as they placed their hands on their heads before returning to the car to retrieve their belongings. Shortly thereafter, they were seen climbing a fence to escape.

Escape from a Potential Tragedy

A witness told NBC Miami, “I heard a fast-moving car, some sirens, and then a loud bang,” describing a scene that could have easily resulted in tragedy had it occurred at a different time. Fortunately, Norman’s Tavern was not open to the public at the time, preventing any injuries or casualties.

“Luckily, it was closed, or it could have been worse. Thank God nobody was hurt, and no one was walking on the sidewalk,” said Matteo Chialastri, the restaurant owner, to Local10. Julieta Lucena, another member of the restaurant team, echoed this relief, saying to NBC Miami, “We were worried, but thank God we weren’t open and no one was here, so we’re grateful for that.”

Tourists, Arrests, and Ongoing Investigations

According to Local10, the three individuals involved were tourists from New York, and the vehicle they were driving was rented. Authorities confirmed that all three fled the crash site, with two later being apprehended by Miami Beach police. Described as tourists heading to the airport after the incident, the recordings showed them carrying several bags, indicating an attempt to leave the city. Despite the dramatic crash, no injuries occurred, and no drugs or weapons were found on the suspects.

The two arrested individuals were released without charges, while the Tesla driver remains at large, according to police statements reported by various local media outlets.

Viral Outrage and Public Discontent

The video of the crash has been widely circulated on social media and news outlets, sparking thousands of reactions. Only in Dade was among the first to share the footage of the men climbing the fence and escaping, fueling public debate about how easily some individuals can evade accountability, even in such dangerous situations.

Social media comments have ranged from disbelief to anger. Many users pointed out the apparent impunity with which the suspects acted, while others questioned the authorities’ response, which has yet to formally charge the detainees or identify the driver. The Miami Beach police continue to investigate the incident. Although there were no personal injuries, the scale of the crash, the escape of the occupants, and the viral video have turned this case into a media sensation.

Growing Concerns Over Tesla Safety

This crash occurs at a time when Tesla is under scrutiny for multiple traffic incidents, technical failures, and massive vehicle recalls. According to Daily Mail, over five million Tesla units were recalled in 2024 due to various issues, including electrical faults, fluid leaks, and fire hazards. Additionally, a recent LendingTree study revealed that Tesla vehicles top the list for accidents in the U.S., with a rate of 26.67 accidents per 1,000 drivers, more than double that of the brand with the lowest accident rate.

The rapid acceleration of these vehicles—some models accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds—may be linked to this trend, according to experts. Just two weeks ago, another Tesla accident in Miami Beach resulted in a fatality: a 24-year-old woman who died after being trapped in a burning vehicle. These events have intensified questions about the safety of these cars, particularly when driven at high speeds or by inexperienced individuals.