The Miracle Survival: 5 Shocking Details Of Alijah Arenas' Fiery Cybertruck Crash And Recovery

The terrifying solo-vehicle crash involving USC basketball commit Alijah Arenas remains one of the most talked-about incidents in the sports world this year. As of today, December 10, 2025, the latest updates confirm the five-star recruit is making a remarkable recovery after the life-threatening accident that left him in a medically induced coma, but the details surrounding the crash—specifically the role of the Tesla Cybertruck—have sparked a major safety controversy.

The 18-year-old son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas has since spoken publicly about the harrowing experience, which saw him trapped in a burning vehicle after an alleged steering malfunction. This article delves into the updated timeline, the shocking rescue by bystanders, the severity of his injuries, and the explosive claims made by his father regarding the Cybertruck's design.

Alijah Amani Arenas: Biography and Profile

Alijah Amani Arenas is a rapidly rising American basketball prospect known for his scoring prowess and his famous NBA lineage. His journey from high school standout to a major college commitment was temporarily halted by the devastating car crash.

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• Full Name: Alijah Amani Arenas
• Date of Birth: March 16, 2007
• Age: 18 (as of the current date)
• Birthplace: Oakland, California
• Parents: Gilbert Arenas (Father, former NBA All-Star) and Laura Govan (Mother)
• High School: Chatsworth High School (California)
• College Commitment: USC Trojans (University of Southern California) Men's Basketball
• Recruitment Ranking: Highly-touted five-star prospect in the Class of 2025.
• Status: Expected to begin his freshman year with the USC Trojans after a rapid recovery from the accident.

The Terrifying April 24th Cybertruck Crash: What Happened

The accident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, April 24th, in the Reseda neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. The incident involved Alijah Arenas’ personal vehicle, a Tesla Cybertruck, which he was driving alone.

The Vehicle Malfunction and Impact

According to statements from the family, including his father Gilbert Arenas, the crash was not the result of reckless driving but allegedly a critical equipment failure. Gilbert Arenas claimed that the Cybertruck experienced a "steering malfunction" that caused Alijah to lose control of the vehicle.

The solo-vehicle crash saw the stainless steel truck veer off the road near the corner of Corbin Avenue and Blythe Street. The vehicle first struck a fire hydrant and then a tree, resulting in a fiery wreckage.

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The Medically Induced Coma and Recovery Timeline

Alijah Arenas sustained serious injuries in the crash and was rushed to a local hospital. Due to the severity of the trauma, he was immediately placed in a medically induced coma to stabilize his condition and allow his body to begin the healing process.

The basketball community and his family held their breath until an update confirmed he was out of the induced coma and making "significant" progress in his recovery. Remarkably, despite the violent nature of the crash, Alijah was released from the hospital just six days after the incident and, most importantly, suffered no major long-term injuries that would threaten his basketball career.

The Controversial Role of the Tesla Cybertruck

The accident immediately thrust the relatively new Tesla Cybertruck into the spotlight, raising serious questions about its design and safety mechanisms. The controversy centers on two key elements: the alleged steering malfunction and the vehicle’s unique construction.

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The Rescue: Bystanders and the "Unbreakable Glass"

Perhaps the most terrifying detail of the crash was the moment Alijah was trapped inside the burning Cybertruck. Multiple sources confirm that a group of quick-thinking bystanders and neighbors rushed to the scene to pull the young star from the wreckage.

Gilbert Arenas later detailed how the Cybertruck’s design almost proved fatal. He claimed the vehicle’s heavy, stainless steel doors and the much-hyped "unbreakable glass" made it incredibly difficult for the rescuers to extract his son. The unique design, intended to be rugged and durable, nearly trapped Alijah inside the smoke-filled cabin as the fire intensified.

Safety Concerns and Design Scrutiny

The combination of the alleged steering malfunction and the difficulty of extrication has fueled a broader discussion about the Cybertruck’s safety profile. For a vehicle with a prominent, rigid exoskeleton and unique materials, the incident highlights potential risks in emergency situations where rapid access to the cabin is crucial. While the vehicle undoubtedly protected Alijah from a worse fate in the initial impact, the subsequent rescue challenges have led to calls for greater scrutiny of the truck’s emergency response design.

The Future: Alijah Arenas’ Return to Basketball

Despite the harrowing experience, Alijah Arenas’ focus remains squarely on his future in college basketball. His rapid and successful recovery is a testament to his youth and resilience.

The USC Trojans coaching staff and fans are eagerly anticipating his arrival on campus. His ability to overcome such a severe physical and mental setback is an inspiring story that will undoubtedly follow him throughout his collegiate career. While there was a brief period of uncertainty regarding his playing status, the latest reports indicate that Alijah is expected to join the team and begin practicing soon, fulfilling his commitment to the program.

The "miracle survival" of Alijah Arenas serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life, but also a powerful story of community heroism and personal fortitude. As he transitions from a patient to a college athlete, his journey will be watched closely by the entire basketball world.