Xiaomi SU7 Ultra catches fire in accident, bystanders’ rescue attempts fail
A high-speed accident involving a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra electric vehicle on Tianfu Avenue in Chengdu, the biggest city in west China, has resulted in a fiery blaze, with multiple online videos showing the vehicle catching fire after striking a median strip. The incident, which occurred around 3:16 AM on October 13th, has raised questions about vehicle safety and rescue protocols.
Eyewitness videos depict a harrowing scene where several passing drivers immediately stopped to assist. Attempts to break the side windows with elbows and shoe soles were unsuccessful, with the glass remaining intact. Subsequently, a fire extinguisher was deployed towards the driver’s seat, but the rapidly spreading flames and intense heat prevented rescuers from getting close.
While some netizens have speculated that the vehicle’s doors were locked, preventing rescue, official confirmation on this detail is still pending. The provided footage shows the Xiaomi SU7 ablaze and multiple individuals unable to open the doors, has further fueled these discussions.
As of now, local authorities in Chengdu and Xiaomi Auto have not released an official statement regarding the accident. The specific cause and detailed circumstances of the incident remain under investigation, and further information is awaited from official sources.
As of press time, Xiaomi’s stock had plummeted by 6.5%.
Editor’s comment
From videos circulating online, it appears there were individuals trapped inside the vehicle, prompting passers-by to attempt a rescue. The condition of those inside the car is currently unknown.
It is worth noting that this is not the first fatal accident involving a Xiaomi vehicle, in late March this year, an accident involving a Xiaomi SU7 on a motorway claimed the lives of three female university students.
Currently, China’s latest safety standards for car door handles are open for public comments and are soon to be implemented.
Update Oct 13th 12:30 PM: The driver involved in the accident has been confirmed dead by multiple Chinese media outlets.
