An electric vehicle accident in Yunnan province, China, where three passengers were trapped inside a burning car because its doors failed to open, has drawn significant attention on Chinese social media. The incident, which occurred on 19/3/2025, has reignited discussions about vehicle safety features, particularly in light of a new national standard for car door handles.

The dramatic event unfolded on a deserted rural road. From a blind spot, a sedan skidded, spun 180 degrees, and crashed onto the roadside. The driver quickly opened their door and exited, then attempted to open the rear left door without success, as three passengers remained trapped inside.

Seconds later, black smoke began to rise from the vehicle. A man rushed over to assist the driver, using a stone to smash the windows and pull the three backseat passengers out one by one. By then, the fire had rapidly intensified, making the rescue a race against time. The entire incident, from the car losing control to the occupants being rescued, took less than one minute.

The passerby who assisted the driver in the video sustained burns to his fingers during the rescue. He stated that many called him a hero, but he only did what was necessary in a critical situation. The three rescued passengers also suffered burns, but their injuries were not life-threatening.

The vehicle involved was identified as a Dongfeng eπ 007, a 4-door electric sports car released in 2024. This model features an LFP battery and hidden door handles that automatically extend when the car is unlocked. Inside, doors typically open via a button, with an emergency mechanical release device located under the armrest of each door. However, the video clearly shows the car doors remained inoperable after the collision, preventing the trapped passengers from escaping.

The video's recent re-posting on social media coincided with China's issuance of a new national standard for car door handles. Effective 1/1/2027, the standard mandates that passenger cars and light commercial vehicles must be equipped with door handles capable of mechanical opening in emergencies. This requirement specifically addresses scenarios involving electronic system failures and collisions, ensuring that occupants can exit the vehicle even when electronic systems are compromised. While primarily applying to these vehicle types, other vehicles are encouraged to adopt the standard for enhanced safety.

By My Anh (according to Sohu, 163)