Xiaomi SU7 Chengdu Crash: EV Safety Under Scrutiny
Tragic Xiaomi SU7 Crash in Chengdu: Fire and EV Safety Debate Ignites
Early Saturday morning, October 13th, 2025, a terrifying incident unfolded on Tianfu Avenue in Chengdu, China. A Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, reportedly speeding, lost control, slammed into a concrete median, flipped, and erupted into flames. The driver, tragically, was trapped inside and lost his life, despite the valiant efforts of bystanders.
A Harrowing Witness Account
Dashcam footage, quickly circulating on platforms like Douyin and X, paints a grim picture. The sleek, white SU7 Ultra, with its signature hidden door handles, rockets down the road before impact. Mere seconds later, fire engulfs the car as the driver’s pleas are heard. A group of Good Samaritans rushed to the scene. They tried desperately to pry open the doors and smash the windows, but the severe deformation from the crash rendered their efforts futile. One rescuer sustained hand injuries from the tempered glass that, while tough, couldn’t withstand the inferno.
Social Media Firestorm and Safety Concerns
The accident instantly sparked a massive online debate. Over 500,000 views in under 12 hours on X alone. Initially, many pointed fingers at the SU7’s “flush” door handles, a common premium EV feature for aerodynamics. Critics called it a “modern coffin.” However, post-crash photos from authorities and analysts revealed the doors were severely twisted and jammed by the impact itself, not an electronic fault. Experts consulted by CarNewsChina agreed: the physics of the crash, not innovative design, were the primary issue.
Under the Influence and Rapid Blaze
Adding a somber layer, Chengdu traffic police are investigating the driver for suspected drunk driving, with blood alcohol levels reportedly exceeding the legal limit. A witness at a nearby traffic light recalled hearing incoherent shouting from the vehicle moments before the crash, possibly indicating impairment. The Chengdu Fire Department is also promising a detailed report on the rapid fire spread, acknowledging that high-voltage lithium batteries, like those in the SU7, can fuel intense fires in severe collisions.
Xiaomi’s EV Journey: Stumbles and Successes
This isn’t the first hiccup for Xiaomi in the competitive EV market. Since its March 2024 launch, the SU7 has been a sales hit, moving over 350,000 units in 2025 and even outselling the Tesla Model 3 in monthly figures.
Previous Incidents
- March 2025: A fatal crash on the Dezhou-Shangrao highway claimed the lives of three university students when an SU7 in driving assistance mode collided with construction barriers. Xiaomi shared data showing the driver had ignored collision warnings.
- September 2025: The company issued a recall for 116,887 units due to issues with its driving assistance system, later updated via OTA.
Market Reaction and Future Outlook
The market reacted swiftly, with Xiaomi shares (XIACY) dropping as much as 5% on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, wiping billions off its market value. Bloomberg analysts suggest this incident could dampen enthusiasm for Chinese EVs, especially as Beijing moves to implement stricter safety standards for electronic door handles and quick-escape systems. While the SU7 manual does mention an emergency unlock button, it was inaccessible in this catastrophic scenario. Xiaomi has yet to issue an official statement but confirmed cooperation with authorities.
Key Takeaways:
- Innovation vs. Safety: This tragedy highlights the constant tension between cutting-edge EV tech (high-density batteries, sleek designs) and the need for robust safety and rescue mechanisms.
- Driver Responsibility: The suspected drunk driving incident underscores the crucial role of responsible operation, regardless of vehicle technology.
- Industry Evolution: As EV adoption accelerates globally, incidents like these force a reevaluation of safety protocols and emergency response preparedness.
This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder that as we push the boundaries of automotive technology, we must concurrently ensure the safety of those behind the wheel and those who might need to help them. The path forward for electric mobility hinges on balancing thrilling performance with unimpeachable safeguards.
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