TLDR
- A Xiaomi SU7 driver died in a Chengdu crash after electronic door handles prevented bystanders from opening doors before the vehicle caught fire
- The 31-year-old driver was suspected of drunk driving when he collided with another car on Monday
- Xiaomi stock fell 8.7% in Hong Kong trading, the largest drop since April
- The incident has intensified safety concerns about electronic door handles that fail when cars lose power
- China is considering banning concealed electronic door handles while the US investigates Tesla Model Y door handle failures
A fatal electric vehicle crash in Chengdu, China has sparked fresh safety concerns about electronic door handles after a Xiaomi SU7 driver died trapped inside the burning car. The Monday incident occurred when the 31-year-old driver, identified by police as a man surnamed Deng, crashed while suspected of drunk driving.
Chengdu police reported that Deng collided with another vehicle before driving over a planted median. The SU7 then burst into flames with the driver still inside.
Video footage shared on Chinese social media platform Weibo showed witnesses attempting to rescue the driver. Despite their efforts, they could not open the electronically-operated doors before the fire intensified.
Emergency personnel used fire extinguishers to put out the blaze. Deng was pronounced dead at the scene.
Xiaomi Stock Tumbles After Fatal Crash
The crash sent Xiaomi shares down 8.7% on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This represented the company’s largest single-day decline since April.
The stock later recovered slightly but remained down over 5% by market close. Xiaomi has not issued a public statement about the incident.
This marks the second fatal Xiaomi SU7 crash this year. An earlier highway accident raised questions about the vehicle’s autonomous driving features and caused a similar stock decline.
Electronic Door Handle Safety Under Investigation
The crash has reignited debate over electronic door handles in electric vehicles. These systems use sensors and electricity to operate, unlike traditional mechanical handles.
When an EV loses power during a crash or fire, electronic door handles often stop working. While most vehicles include manual emergency releases, their locations vary by model.
These manual overrides can be difficult to find for people unfamiliar with the vehicle. Outside rescuers typically cannot access them at all.
Chinese social media users have criticized the safety of electronic door handles on Xiaomi and other EV brands. Tesla popularized this design, which has become standard across the electric vehicle industry.
Regulators Review Door Handle Designs
Chinese regulators are reportedly considering a ban on fully concealed electronic door handles. State-backed media reported this development in late September.
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into approximately 174,000 Tesla Model Y vehicles in September. The probe focuses on door handle failures.
This investigation followed a Bloomberg News report documenting cases where people were injured or died after being unable to open Tesla doors when vehicles lost power.
Kenny Ng from China Everbright Securities International said the police statement identifying driver error may limit further stock declines. He noted that broader market weakness could continue pressuring Xiaomi shares short-term.
The company continues developing both its smartphone and electric vehicle businesses. Analysts suggest the stock’s long-term outlook remains stable despite the crash.
