A Tesla crashes into a restaurant in Miami Beach: This is how the shocking moment unfolded

A spectacular crash involving a rented Tesla was captured on video this Sunday morning in Miami Beach.

The vehicle crashed into a palm tree and the terrace of a closed restaurant, while the occupants fled the scene carrying their belongings.

The incident occurred in front of Norman’s Tavern, located at 6770 Collins Avenue, and has caused shock due to both its violence and the seemingly lenient nature of its legal consequences.

A surveillance video from the restaurant captured the entire sequence of the incident.

In the images, a white Tesla is seen crashing onto the terrace of the establishment, striking a part of the outdoor furniture and violently colliding with a palm tree, which was literally uprooted.

The impact sent tables, chairs, and debris flying across the outdoor patio.

Other images shared by the account Only in Dade showed that at least three men exited the vehicle looking visibly confused and nervous, placing their hands on their heads before returning to the car to retrieve their belongings.

Soon after, they were seen climbing a fence to escape the area.

"I heard a car speeding by and I also heard some sirens, and then there was a loud bang," a witness told NBC Miami, in a scene that could easily have had tragic consequences if it had happened at a different time of day.

An empty terrace prevented a tragedy

The restaurant Norman’s Tavern was not open to the public at that time, which prevented any injuries or casualties.

“Fortunately, it was closed, as it could have been worse. Thank God, no one was injured and no one was walking on the sidewalk,” declared Matteo Chialastri, the owner of the establishment, to Local10.

Julieta Lucena, also part of the restaurant team, agreed that it was a relief that there was no one on the terrace.

"We were worried, but thank God we weren't open and there was no one here, so we are glad for that," he told NBC Miami.

Escape, capture, and mystery

According to information gathered by Local10, the three individuals involved were tourists from New York, and the vehicle they were driving had been rented.

Authorities confirmed that the three individuals who were in the car fled the scene of the accident. Two of them were later arrested, according to the Miami Beach police.

Both were described as tourists heading to the airport after the incident. Footage shows that they were carrying several bags, suggesting they were trying to leave the city.

Despite the dramatic accident, no one was injured and no drugs or weapons were found in the possession of the suspects.

The two detained individuals were released without charges being filed against them, while the driver of the Tesla is still being sought, according to police statements reported by several local media outlets.

The video goes viral: Outrage and astonishment

Images of the accident have been widely shared on social media and news outlets, generating thousands of reactions.

The account Only in Dade was one of the first to share the video capturing the moment when the men climbed the fence and escaped, which fueled the public discussion about how easily some individuals can evade responsibility, even after such dangerous incidents.

The tone of the comments on social media has ranged from disbelief to anger.

Many users pointed out the apparent impunity with which those involved acted, while others questioned the authorities' response, who have yet to file charges against the detained individuals or formally identify the driver.

The Miami Beach police continue to investigate the incident. Although there were no injuries or personal damage, the magnitude of the crash, the occupants' escape, and the viral spread of the video have turned this case into a media phenomenon.

Context: Tesla and a worrisome trend

This incident occurs at a time when Tesla has been 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 risks.

In addition, a recent study by LendingTree revealed that Tesla vehicles top the list of accidents in the U.S., with a rate of 26.67 accidents for every 1,000 drivers.

This figure more than doubles the record for the lowest accident rate.

The rapid acceleration of these vehicles—some models go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 3.1 seconds—could be linked to this trend, according to experts.

Just two weeks ago, another accident involving a Tesla in Miami Beach resulted in a fatality: a 24-year-old woman who was burned to death after being trapped in a burning vehicle.

These events have strengthened the concerns regarding the safety of these cars, particularly when driven at high speeds or by individuals without prior experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Tesla Accident in Miami Beach