A terrifying incident in South Korea where a Mercedes EQE electric car burst into flames, injuring 21 people and damaging 70 vehicles. Learn about the massive fire and its aftermath.
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| Safety concerns rise as a Mercedes electric vehicle ignites a massive fire in a South Korean parking garage, injuring dozens and destroying multiple cars. Symbolic image |
Incheon, South Korea, August 3, 2024:
A catastrophic fire erupted in an underground apartment complex parking lot on Saturday morning after a Mercedes-Benz EQE electric sedan spontaneously combusted. The blaze injured 21 people, including seven children, and caused extensive damage to approximately 70 vehicles.
Firefighters battled the inferno for eight hours before finally extinguishing it. The thick, black smoke forced the evacuation of 209 residents, many of whom had to be rescued from their apartments.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, with authorities considering the possibility of a previous collision that damaged the electric vehicle's battery. Mercedes-Benz has confirmed its cooperation with fire officials to determine the exact cause of the incident.
The explosion and subsequent fire have raised concerns about the safety of electric vehicles, particularly regarding battery fires. While such incidents are relatively rare, they can be extremely destructive and difficult to contain.