USC basketball recruit Alijah Arenas detailed his traumatic experience after his Tesla Cybertruck caught fire, leaving him trapped inside for nearly 10 minutes before he was able to escape. The incident occurred earlier this week, and Arenas described the moment as a ‘fighting time’ of survival against the flames.
Arenas, who is in the final stages of his recruitment to join the USC Trojans, recounted how he managed to free himself from the vehicle by breaking the window using a piece of metal. He noted that the flames were extremely intense, and the heat inside the truck made it nearly impossible to breathe. Despite the danger, he remained calm and focused on finding a way out, eventually escaping unharmed but with significant injuries.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of electric vehicles, particularly in the event of a fire. While Tesla has not officially commented on the matter, the company has previously emphasized the safety features of its vehicles, including their resistance to fires in the event of a crash. However, this incident underscores the potential risks associated with electric vehicle fires and the importance of emergency response protocols in such scenarios.
Arenas has since been receiving support from his teammates and coaches at USC, who have expressed their concern for his well-being. The school has also taken steps to ensure that the incident is investigated thoroughly to determine the cause of the fire and to assess any potential safety improvements that could be implemented in the future.