Driver in China dies in fiery Chengdu crash as electric car door fails to open
A 31-year-old man in Chengdu, Sichuan, was killed after his electric car caught fire and rescuers failed to open its electronic doors. The crash reignited public concern over hidden door handle safety in new energy vehicles.
- A 31-year-old man in Chengdu died after his Xiaomi SU7 Ultra crashed and caught fire.
- Electronic doors failed to open, preventing rescuers from saving the driver.
- The incident has reignited public concern over hidden door handles and electric lock safety in NEVs, prompting tighter regulatory standards from 2026.
CHENGDU, SICHUAN — A 31-year-old man was killed after his electric car burst into flames in Chengdu, Sichuan province, when rescuers were unable to open its electronic doors — reigniting nationwide debate about the safety of hidden door handles in new energy vehicles.
Crash and fire
According to a statement from the Chengdu Traffic Police, the fatal accident occurred at around 3:00am on 13 October 2025 along Tianfu Avenue.
Preliminary findings revealed that the driver, Mr. Deng, had been travelling at high speed when his vehicle — believed to be a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra — collided with another car and caught fire.
Police confirmed that alcohol was detected in Deng’s system, indicating possible drunk driving. Dashcam footage circulating online showed that traffic was sparse at the time of the crash, and the car’s speedometer recorded 104 km/h just seconds before impact.
Rescuers unable to open doors
Eyewitnesses reported that after the collision, several bystanders rushed to help but could not open the vehicle’s electronic doors.
“The door handles didn’t respond — we tried breaking the glass and pulling the handles, but they were locked,” one witness told local media.
Firefighters eventually arrived and forced the doors open using specialised tools after extinguishing the blaze, but the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Photos shared online showed the car completely burned, with only its metal frame remaining.
Safety debate reignited
Chinese media identified the vehicle as a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, a high-performance electric sedan priced at around RMB 529,900 (≈US$73,000).
Experts said many new energy vehicles (NEVs) feature electronic locking systems and retractable door handles, which can malfunction if the vehicle’s high-voltage power supply is severed in a crash.
Automotive engineer Liu Junwei explained that while the technology improves aerodynamics and aesthetics, it may delay rescues during emergencies. “If the battery disconnects, the system can fail, trapping passengers inside,” he said.
Regulatory response
The tragedy has fuelled online debate and renewed calls for mandatory mechanical override systems in electric cars.
Authorities have already announced upcoming safety standards — under the Passenger Car Rear Collision Safety Requirements — set to take effect 1 July 2026.
The rules will require that at least one door remain openable after a crash, even if the electrical system is damaged.
