USC freshman basketball player Alijah Arenas recently shared his terrifying experience of surviving a Tesla Cybertruck crash earlier this year. This incident left him in a medically induced coma due to smoke inhalation.
Los Angeles Times reports that Alijah Arenas, a highly-rated recruit from Chatsworth High, detailed the frightening escape from the burning Cybertruck after an accident in April. This life-changing event occurred on his way home from early morning training.
Arenas described the moments before the crash, noting that the Cybertruck, registered under his father’s former NBA player name, began malfunctioning. The vehicle’s keypad flickered, and the steering wheel became unresponsive. Despite attempts to maneuver, he lost control as the truck veered towards a fire hydrant, subsequently bursting into flames.
Trapped inside the engulfing smoke and flames, Arenas fought for survival. He found himself unable to use the Tesla app to unlock the car, which added to his desperation. Moving to the back seat in an attempt to avoid smoke, he struggled to get the door open.
In and out of consciousness, he did whatever he could to escape. He bit his lips and clawed at his skin, trying to cool down. Even though the Cybertruck’s windows were proclaimed “unbreakable,” he relentlessly punched and kicked the glass until he finally found a crack.
Hearing sirens and cries from outside, Arenas kicked the driver’s side window until it shattered. With this opportunity, he managed to pull himself out of the wreckage. Footage shows him on the ground, surrounded by water from a broken hydrant, as a good Samaritan pulled him to safety.
He was trapped in the burning vehicle for at least ten minutes before being rescued and was rushed to the hospital, where he was placed in a medically induced coma due to severe smoke inhalation. When he eventually regained consciousness, his initial thoughts were about others; he worried whether anyone else had been harmed.
Remarkably, Arenas sustained no long-term injuries and spent only six days in the hospital. In the following weeks, he focused on regaining his strength, slowly walking through his neighborhood with assistance from friends and family. His family was thankful to the person who saved him, welcoming them into their home.
As he prepares to join USC for summer basketball practice, Arenas is eager to face challenges and build connections with teammates. His coach, Eric Musselman, has noticed Arenas’ unique outlook on life and basketball, praising his thoughtful approach to teamwork.
Reflecting on the accident, Arenas fully accepts responsibility and does not blame the car manufacturer or others. He feels grateful for the support he received, stating, “It taught me a lot. I am very fortunate to be here.”
