A viral video shows a man rescuing three passengers from a burning electric vehicle (EV) as Dongfeng responds to the incident. The crash, which occurred in Wenshan, Yunnan province on March 19, 2025, highlights the dangers of retractable door handles in EVs.
The driver's attempts to open the rear door were thwarted by the design, leading to a delay in rescue efforts and potentially exacerbating the severity of the fire. Fortunately, all three passengers suffered burns but were treated as non-life-threatening, while the rescuer sustained severe burns that may impact his ability to return to work.
Dongfeng has confirmed the crash and expressed sympathy to those involved, emphasizing that circulating clips may not reflect the full context of the incident. The company's statement acknowledges that accessible, fully operable manual door handles are crucial in emergency situations like this one.
China is now banning retractable handles on electric vehicles, a move that could have significant implications for the global automotive industry. As experts weigh in on the importance of safe vehicle design, it's clear that this incident serves as a wake-up call for manufacturers to prioritize accessibility and emergency response in their designs.
This incident underscores the critical importance of accessible door handles in vehicles, particularly in emergency situations where every second counts. The delay caused by the retractable handle design highlights the need for manufacturers to prioritize safety and user experience in their designs.
