Man Allegedly Killed After Harrier EV Moves in Summon Mode; Tata Motors Responds to Incident
Man Allegedly Killed After Harrier EV Moves in Summon Mode; Tata Motors Responds to Incident
In a deeply unsettling turn of events, an autonomous feature in a newly launched electric SUV may have contributed to a tragic accident in Tamil Nadu, raising fresh concerns about the deployment of semi-autonomous technologies on Indian roads. The feature in question is the much-publicized Summon mode on the Tata Harrier EV — a system that allows the car to drive itself slowly over short distances without a person behind the wheel.
Although advanced driver-assist systems are being welcomed globally, their integration into Indian conditions appears to come with real and serious challenges. A recent viral video is now at the center of a brewing controversy, showing a Harrier EV allegedly causing a fatal accident in Avinashi, Tamil Nadu.
What Happened in Avinashi?
The incident took place on August 14, 2025, around 5:53 PM, as captured by CCTV footage that has since surfaced on Reddit. In the video, a Tata Harrier EV can be seen moving on its own down a slope with its driver’s side door open. It is believed that the vehicle was operating in Summon mode at the time — a feature that’s part of Tata’s Level 2 ADAS package and enables the car to move without a driver under remote control.
According to eyewitnesses and the Reddit post, the victim was trying to get into the SUV to manually stop it when things went horribly wrong. As he attempted to step into the car and apply the brakes, the SUV’s momentum pulled him down. He sustained a severe head injury and was tragically run over by the vehicle’s rear wheels. While bystanders managed to pull him away just in time to avoid a second impact as the vehicle moved forward again, the damage had already been done.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors declared him brain dead. His family, still reeling from the shock, has not yet filed an official complaint against Tata Motors.
History of Technical Issues?
As per the viral Reddit post, the deceased had previously encountered issues with the same vehicle. A reported software glitch had caused the Harrier EV to stop abruptly on the road, leaving it unresponsive. Technicians from the showroom reportedly had to intervene to get it working again. Whether that issue is connected to the accident remains unclear.
Tata Motors Responds
While the cause of the accident remains officially unconfirmed, Tata Motors has acknowledged the incident in a public statement. The company said:
“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. Preliminary observations from video shared online/on social media suggest that 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.”
The company went on to say:
“Preliminary observations from video shared online/ on social media suggests that 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.”
As of now, Tata Motors has not confirmed whether a technical failure or human error was involved. We could not independently verify the accuracy of the company’s response.
The Tata Harrier EV — launched just this June — is one of the most feature-packed mass-market EVs in India. With Level 2 autonomous capabilities, it offers a suite of advanced features including:
Auto Park Assist (featuring Summon Mode)
Reverse Assist
Adaptive Cruise Control
Lane Keep Assist
Autonomous Emergency Braking
540-degree camera system with transparent bonnet view
While these features are aimed at enhancing convenience and safety, road safety experts caution that such technology must be used with extreme vigilance, especially on India’s unpredictable and often chaotic roads.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion across social media and automotive circles, raising a critical question — Are Indian roads ready for semi-autonomous vehicles? While technologies like Summon Mode are marvels of modern engineering, they still require rigorous safeguards, user awareness, and regulatory oversight.
For now, local authorities in Avinashi have yet to release any official findings, and it remains to be seen whether a formal investigation will be conducted. The grieving family, meanwhile, is left with more questions than answers.
We could not independently verify the claims circulating on social media regarding Tata Motors’ response to the incident.
