Avinashi (Tamil Nadu): A tragic incident involving a Tata Harrier EV has sparked nationwide concern over the safety of semi-autonomous driving features in mass-market cars. A man reportedly suffered fatal injuries after his vehicle, allegedly operating in Summon mode, rolled over him in Avinashi, Tiruppur district, on 14 August 2025.
The incident, captured on CCTV, has gone viral on social media and has raised pressing questions about the readiness of Indian road conditions for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
The fatal accident
According to the viral video, the Harrier EV can be seen rolling down an incline with its driver-side door open before the owner could fully enter the cabin. In an attempt to stop the SUV, the man reportedly stepped inside to apply the brakes but was dragged out by the moving vehicle. He suffered a severe head injury when he fell to the ground, while the SUV ran over his legs in reverse.
Eyewitnesses pulled him away just in time to prevent the vehicle from running over him again as it moved forward. Despite being rushed to hospital, doctors declared him brain dead.
Family members, still in shock, have not filed an official complaint against Tata Motors. Meanwhile, company officials have taken custody of the vehicle for inspection.
Questions over software reliability
The victim had reportedly faced issues with the new Harrier EV earlier. A Reddit post claimed that the vehicle had once stopped suddenly on the road and failed to restart, requiring technicians from the showroom to intervene.
This incident has heightened suspicions about whether a technical glitch, human error, or external factor led to the fatal mishap. Authorities in Avinashi have not yet confirmed whether a police investigation is underway.
Tata Motors’ official response
In its first public statement, Tata Motors expressed deep condolences to the family.
“We were informed of the tragic accident and are deeply saddened by the loss. Our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt support are with the deceased’s family. We are currently gathering all relevant facts,” the company said.
The automaker also shared preliminary observations based on the video:
“The vehicle may have rolled back from the top of a slope due to gravity and ricocheted after striking an unknown object, suggesting that the motor was not engaged. The vehicle remains with the family and has been driven since the incident, and we have not yet had the opportunity to inspect it.”
Growing debate on autonomous features in India
The Harrier EV, launched in June 2025, is equipped with Level 2 ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, auto park assist with summon mode, and reverse assist. The summon function allows the vehicle to move short distances autonomously without a driver inside.
While such features are marketed as convenient, road safety experts have cautioned against their use without strict safeguards in India, where unpredictable traffic, poor infrastructure, and lack of public awareness pose serious risks.
Specialists stress that ADAS and semi-autonomous features should complement—not replace—driver attentiveness. They warn that drivers must remain fully engaged and cautious when using functions like summon or auto-park.
Conclusion
The Avinashi accident has triggered widespread discussion on the safety of modern driver-assistance technologies in Indian conditions. As Tata Motors investigates the incident, experts say the tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations, public education, and clearer guidelines on the deployment of autonomous driving features in India’s growing EV market.