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The accident occurred at around 3 a.m. on Oct. 13, 2025, when the victim, identified by the surname Deng, who was found to have been driving under the influence of alcohol, crashed into another vehicle on a road in Chengdu before hitting a central barrier and bursting into flames, according to Chinese newspaper Caixin.
Forensic findings showed the car was traveling at about 203 km/h in the three seconds before impact, slowing to 167 km/h when it struck the vehicle ahead and to 138 km/h when it hit the road divider.
A video shared on social media shows the fatal crash involving a Xiaomi EV. Video from Facebook
Investigators said the most concerning discovery was that "the doors could not be opened from the outside because the collision caused the low-voltage system to lose power, disabling the door handle release function." The report noted that the vehicle relied on electronic release buttons on the outside of the door but lacked an emergency mechanical handle that could operate without electricity.
Witnesses described a chaotic rescue attempt as the vehicle ignited three separate times within five minutes of the collision. Several bystanders tried to pull open the driver’s door, smash the window with their elbows, and kick the glass repeatedly, but were unable to gain access.
The incident marks the third Xiaomi vehicle fire reported in 2025 and the second in which concerns were raised about doors failing to open after a crash.
It has sparked wider debate in China over electric vehicle safety, particularly door design and battery risks in crash scenarios.
The victim’s family is reportedly seeking further investigation into whether the vehicle experienced brake system anomalies or loss of control prior to impact.
Their lawyer said that while the driver might bear responsibility for the crash, this does not address potential safety flaws that prevented escape after the collision, according to CarNewsChina.
China has since implemented new mandatory standards for automotive door handles which requires all car doors to be equipped with mechanical handles that can function without electricity even after battery failure or overheating.
Automakers must comply for new models by 2027 and for existing models by 2029.
