[kellyhound]

China. March 19, 2025. A Dongfeng Motor Corporation electric eπ007 model, burst into flames less than one minute after a collision, further intensifying concerns over the retractable (pop-out) or flush-mounted door handle design.

The footage shows the electric vehicle spinning out of control and veering off course before crashing into a construction barrier following a collision with a truck.

Although the impact did not appear extremely severe, it is believed the vehicle’s battery was damaged or punctured, triggering a rapid fire.

The driver managed to exit the vehicle immediately after the collision, but was unable to open the rear doors because the door handles failed to pop out from the body. Shortly afterward, the driver’s door also closed again and could not be opened.

29 seconds after impact thick smoke began pouring out from the passenger side, with all doors remaining closed.

The driver attempted to break the window using his elbow.

Another person arrived to assist, and they used rocks to smash the side mirror glass.

52 seconds after the crash flames were clearly visible outside the vehicle and the cabin was filled with thick black smoke.

All three occupants were successfully pulled out while the vehicle was already fully engulfed in flames.

The rescuers later reported that all passengers suffered serious burn injuries but none were life-threatening.

The rescuer himself sustained severe burns on both hands and was reportedly still bandaged several months after the incident and may be unable to return to work as a truck driver.

[DarkSighted]

Bad enough to have a harrowing yet survivable accident, then the CAR tries to take you with it... For what it's worth, IMHO China actually made a GOOD move for a change in banning those door handles (just a couple weeks ago, I believe). Hubris in design = people dying, this is just one of the more high-profile (i.e. naked eye/can't be ignored) examples.

[rohmell]

Originally Posted by kellyhound ↗

All three occupants were successfully pulled out while the vehicle was already fully engulfed in flames.

My information indicates that there were 5 people in the vehicle, 2 in the front and 3 in the rear. The driver and all 3 rear passengers were evacuated, but the front seat passenger died.

[Mr.NoCredit]

Why didn’t the front passenger get out!?! The driver’s door was fully open.

Was the person incapable of getting out or dead already!?!

So many questions without any answers.

[William May]

So many mysteries, without any clues!

[Gore Whore]

If you're ever stuck inside a car and the doors won't open you can remove the front seat headrests and use the metal part to break the window

[kellyhound]

Originally Posted by Gore Whore ↗

If you're ever stuck inside a car and the doors won't open you can remove the front seat headrests and use the metal part to break the window

could take too long.
https://www.dealledgered.com/product-p-603517.html

[Gore Whore]

Originally Posted by kellyhound ↗

could take too long.
https://www.dealledgered.com/product-p-603517.html

Might come in handy if you misplace your magical window smasher though.

[DarkSighted]

Originally Posted by William May ↗

So many mysteries, without any clues!

....Died in the front seat of my '24 Dongfeng.... eh, doesn't roll off the lyrical tongue, does it?

[William May]

Originally Posted by DarkSighted ↗

"....Died in the front seat of my '24 Dongfeng".... eh, doesn't roll off the lyrical tongue, does it?

Well, it DOES if you are playing Accordion in a Chinese Polka Band!


It rolls right off your "trounge" if you are playing in one of THOSE!