A chilling video circulating online captures the terrifying moments after a high-speed crash involving an electric vehicle in China. The footage shows a Dongfeng eπ007 sedan losing control, spinning out, and slamming into a guardrail following a collision with a truck. What starts as a seemingly survivable accident quickly turns deadly when the car bursts into flames in under a minute. The rapid fire spread highlights a growing concern with certain modern car designs that prioritize style over emergency accessibility.
In the video, the driver manages to escape immediately after impact but faces a nightmare trying to free the passengers trapped in the back. The car’s retractable door handles, which stay flush with the body for a sleek look, fail to deploy. As a result, the rear doors remain locked, and soon even the driver’s door stops responding. Thick smoke pours from the vehicle just thirty seconds after the crash, leaving precious little time for rescue.
Desperation sets in as the driver elbows the windows in vain while a brave passerby rushes to help. Together they grab stones from the roadside and smash the side glass to pull out the trapped individuals. Flames become visible by the fifty-second mark, filling the cabin with black smoke that makes breathing nearly impossible. Against all odds, all three passengers are extracted alive, though the intensity of the fire leaves everyone involved scarred by the experience.
The three occupants suffer severe burns but miraculously survive the ordeal. The helpful passerby, a truck driver himself, ends up with serious hand injuries that linger for months and threaten his livelihood. While some online rumors suggest a fatality, official reports confirm no one died in the incident. This accident, which took place on March 19, 2025, in China’s Yunnan province, has fueled intense debate about vehicle safety features.
Dongfeng, the manufacturer of the eπ007, released a statement in early February acknowledging the crash and their cooperation with authorities. They note the fire stemmed from battery damage after the high-speed truck collision and caution that viral clips might lack full context. Still, the company stands by their design while investigations continue. Sources like Carscoops have helped verify details of the event that shocked viewers worldwide.
This harrowing case spotlights a broader issue with retractable handles commonly found on many electric vehicles. These handles enhance aerodynamics and give cars a futuristic appearance, but they rely on electronic systems that can fail in crashes. When power is lost or sensors malfunction, doors become impossible to open from the outside without breaking glass. Traditional mechanical handles, by contrast, provide reliable access even in emergencies.
Recognizing these risks, Chinese regulators have moved to prohibit retractable door handles on new car models. The decision prioritizes occupant safety in accidents, especially those involving fires that escalate rapidly in electric vehicles. Battery fires can ignite almost instantly upon impact, leaving seconds rather than minutes for escape. Classic fixed handles ensure rescuers and drivers can act quickly without depending on electronics.
The shift marks a significant change in automotive trends where flush designs have become popular among premium and electric brands. Manufacturers now face the challenge of balancing aesthetics with practical emergency features. As more incidents come to light, other countries may follow China’s lead in reevaluating these stylish but potentially hazardous elements. Safety experts argue that no design flourish should come at the cost of easy egress in life-threatening situations.
Incidents like this remind us how quickly a routine drive can turn catastrophic. Electric vehicles bring many benefits, but their unique fire risks demand robust safeguards. The brave actions of bystanders in this rescue underscore the human element in survival. Ultimately, regulations like China’s ban aim to prevent future tragedies by learning from real-world close calls.
What are your thoughts on retractable door handles and whether style should ever compromise safety in cars? Share them in the comments.
