A driver died after becoming trapped inside a Xiaomi SU7 electric vehicle that caught fire following a crash in Chengdu, China, sparking widespread safety concerns about electric vehicle emergency mechanisms, according to reports from Free Press Journal.
Xiaomi Electric Car Incident Details
The Xiaomi SU7 crashed into a divider and caught fire after experiencing a sudden power failure. The malfunction caused the car doors to lock automatically, preventing the driver from escaping as flames engulfed the vehicle.
A driver in China died after crashing his Xiaomi SU7 electric vehicle, which caught fire.
— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 13, 2025
Following a power failure, the doors locked and rescue attempts failed.
Xiaomi shares fell about 9% after the incident.pic.twitter.com/zEQ44vJENJ
Video footage circulating on social media shows bystanders attempting to break open the doors from outside, but all rescue efforts failed. The driver was burnt to death inside the vehicle.
Market Impact
Xiaomi shares fell approximately 9 percent following the incident, reflecting investor concerns about potential safety liability and reputational damage.
The tragic incident has triggered intense debate on social media platforms, with users demanding accountability from Xiaomi and raising urgent questions about electric vehicle safety standards and emergency fail-safe systems in smart cars.
Critics highlighted the danger of electronic door locks that depend on electrical power, noting that power failures during accidents can create deadly traps for occupants. The inability of bystanders to force open the doors from outside compounded the tragedy.
User Demands
Social media users are urging EV manufacturers to install accessible safety tools including:
- Internal fire extinguishers
- Manual window-breaking devices
- Mechanical door release mechanisms that function without electrical power
- Emergency exit protocols independent of vehicle power systems
Industry Implications
The incident raises broader questions about electric vehicle safety design, particularly regarding:
- Emergency egress systems during power failures
- Fire suppression mechanisms in battery-related incidents
- Accessibility of manual overrides for electronic systems
- Safety training for first responders dealing with EV fires
Growing Concerns
As electric vehicle adoption accelerates globally, the Chengdu incident underscores the need for comprehensive safety standards addressing unique risks associated with battery-powered vehicles, including thermal runaway, electrical system failures, and electronic lock malfunctions during emergencies.
The case is likely to prompt regulatory scrutiny of EV safety features, particularly emergency exit mechanisms, as manufacturers balance technological innovation with occupant protection.
Xiaomi has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident or announced any safety recalls or design modifications.
