Modern day cars are essentially gadgets on wheels with too many software-driven functions impacting the everyday ownership experience of owners. Case in point is the new Tata Harrier EV which is brimming with features that we wouldn’t have expected in the mass-market cars even five years ago.
Launched in June this year, one of the standout features of Tata Harrier EV is the Summon mode. As the name suggests, this autonomous feature lets you summon the car at a very slow distance for a short distance remotely, without anyone on the driver’s seat. Sounds convenient, isn’t it? However, this feature has allegedly proved to be fatal for someone.
Tata Harrier EV kills one in Tamil Nadu
A recent video on Reddit has gone viral which shows a Harrier EV running over a person. The incident took place in Avinashi, Tamil Nadu where the victim suffered a severe head injury. The horrific scenes were caught on camera where the Harrier EV is seen rolling down an incline with the driver side door open even before the driver could step inside the cabin. The CCTV time and date stamp is 14th August 2025, evening around 5:53 PM.
According to the post, the man tried to stop the vehicle by stepping inside the car and applying brakes. However, the momentum of the heavy SUV dragged the person out, hitting the ground and causing a severe head injury. The vehicle ran over his legs while going reverse. The car was about to run over once again while moving forward but he was pulled out of the way by some very alert bystanders.
The person was rushed to the hospital where doctors declared him brain dead. The family is yet to file an official complaint against Tata Motors as they are still in shock. The company officials have taken the vehicle. The exact cause of the unfortunate accident is still unclear, and it remains unconfirmed whether it resulted from a technical fault, human error, or external factors.
The Reddit post claims that the deceased had already faced a software issue with the new car when it stopped on the road and didn’t switch on. He had to call the showroom and technicians had to come and help switch on the vehicle. Tata Motors hasn’t released any official statement regarding this matter.
The reported fatality has ignited widespread concern and discussion online over the safety of semi-autonomous features in vehicles operating under Indian road conditions. Road safety specialists emphasize that while advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and summon functions enhance convenience, they require cautious use and constant driver attentiveness. Meanwhile, authorities in Avinashi have not yet released case details or confirmed if an investigation is underway.
Tata Motors has issued an official statement in regards to this matter. It states, “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.”
It further adds, “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.”
Tata Harrier EV autonomous features
Tata Harrier EV offers a wide range of autonomous features as part of its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite, including Level 2 autonomy. This includes auto park assist (with summon mode), reverse assist, and various ADAS functionalities like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking. The Harrier EV also features a 540-degree camera system, offering a transparent bonnet view and enhancing situational awareness.
Disclaimer: Financial Express Online cannot independently verify the claims posted on social media.