The Xiaomi SU7, which has been lauded for its safety features since its March 2024 market launch, has recorded its first widely reported fatal accident, resulting in the deaths of three female university students. 

The incident occurred on March 29, 2025, at approximately 10:44 PM on the Dezhou-Shangrao Highway in Anhui Province, China. Initial reports on Chinese social media claimed the vehicle caught fire after a collision, with allegations that the “doors could not be unlocked, preventing escape.” The incident quickly gained attention as the first publicly reported fatality involving Xiaomi’s flagship electric vehicle.

In response to the growing public concern, Xiaomi released a detailed statement on April 1, providing a comprehensive accident timeline based on vehicle data submitted to police investigators.

According to Xiaomi’s statement, the vehicle—a standard version SU7—was traveling at 116 km/h in NOA (Navigation on Autopilot) intelligent driving assistance mode when it approached a construction zone. The lane was closed with barriers, diverting traffic to the opposite lane. The system detected the obstacle, issued an alert, and began decelerating. The driver then took manual control, continued braking and steering, but ultimately collided with a concrete barrier post at an estimated 97 km/h speed.

Following the impact, Xiaomi’s emergency response system was automatically activated. The company immediately contacted the vehicle’s registered owner, who confirmed that the car was being driven by someone else at the time. Emergency calls were placed to the vehicle occupants, and emergency services were dispatched, arriving at the scene around 11 p.m.

Addressing claims about door functionality, Xiaomi representatives clarified to China News Weekly that all four doors are equipped with mechanical emergency release handles located in the storage compartment area of each door panel. These handles function mechanically and can open the doors even if the battery is damaged.

The company’s detailed timeline of the incident reveals several notable events leading up to the crash:

• 10:27:17 PM: NOA activated, vehicle speed at 116 km/h
• 10:28:17 PM: Mild distraction warning issued
• 10:36:48 PM: NOA issued hands-off warning: “Please hold the steering wheel”
• 10:44:24 PM: NOA issued risk warning: “Please note obstacle ahead,” with deceleration request
• 10:44:25 PM: Driver took over from NOA, entering manual driving mode, steering wheel turned 22.0625 degrees left, brake pedal pressed 31%
• 10:44:26 PM: Steering wheel turned 1.0625 degrees right, brake pedal pressed 38%
• Between 10:44:26–28: Vehicle collided with concrete barrier
• 10:44:28 PM: Vehicle eCall triggered
• 10:44:39 PM: eCall connected, accident confirmed, police and emergency services contacted
• 10:45:06 PM: Contact established with vehicle owner, confirming non-owner was driving
• 10:47:15 PM: Emergency medical services successfully dispatched
• Approximately 11:00 PM: Emergency services arrived at the scene

Xiaomi stated that a special investigation team was formed immediately after the accident and traveled to Tongling on March 30 to cooperate with police authorities. The company has pledged to assist the victims’ families and maintain transparency throughout the investigation.

Following Xiaomi’s official statement, Xiaomi Group (01810.HK) stock price once fell by more than 5% during trading.