Xiaomi SU7 Blaze in China Sparks Safety Debate and Market Sell-Off

A Xiaomi SU7 electric sedan burst into flames after a severe collision in Chengdu, southwest China, early on October 13, reportedly trapping the driver inside. The accident quickly went viral on Chinese social media, sending Xiaomi’s stock tumbling by as much as 9 percent and reigniting safety concerns about its high-performance EV lineup.

Fire erupts after crash

According to local reports, the crash occurred around 3:16 am on October 13 on a street in Chengdu, Sichuan province, southwest China. It involved an apparent SU7 Ultra variant priced at RMB 529,900. Video footage showed the SU7 on fire while bystanders were trying in vain to open the doors of the vehicle.

Firefighters later had to use hammers and electric saws to cut open the vehicle, which was almost entirely destroyed. Authorities confirmed the driver, a 31-year-old man surnamed Deng, lost his life in the accident and may have been driving under the influence of alcohol, according to CNEV Post.

Safety concerns resurface

The incident echoes a fatal SU7 crash in late March that killed three people after the car’s driver-assistance system reportedly disengaged moments before impact. Just last month, Xiaomi recalled over 116,000 SU7s to address limitations in its driver-assist software under extreme conditions.

The latest fire has reignited public debate over EV safety features, particularly the use of electronic door handles that can lock during emergencies. Investors reacted swiftly, driving Xiaomi’s shares sharply lower in Hong Kong trading.

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