A 2025 Dongfeng eπ007 crash in Vietnam showed how hidden door handles can trap victims in a burning car, prompting China to ban the risky design. Learn more now.
In March 2025, a Dongfeng eπ007 electric sedan burst into flames after colliding with a truck in Vân Nam province, Vietnam. The tragedy underscored a hidden danger in modern car design: concealed door handles that fail to deploy when they are needed most.
The Crash and Its Immediate Aftermath
The vehicle, a platform for Nissan’s popular N7 series, lost control, spun out, and slammed into a concrete barrier. Although the impact appeared minor, the battery pack was punctured, igniting a rapid fire that engulfed the car in under a minute.
Within seconds, the driver escaped the driver’s seat but was unable to open the rear doors. The hidden‑handle mechanism stayed locked to the body, and the rear‑left door slammed shut, sealing the three passengers inside.
Rescue Efforts Under Extreme Conditions
First responders faced a race against time. Black smoke billowed from the passenger side, and the cabin filled with toxic fumes while the fire continued to roar. The driver smashed the side window with his elbow, and a nearby civilian joined him, using a stone to shatter the side glass.
Together they pulled the two rear passengers out just before the flames completely consumed the interior. All three survivors suffered severe burns on their faces and clothing. The civilian rescuer also sustained serious hand burns that required months of bandaging and may prevent him from returning to his truck‑driving job.
Dongfeng’s Official Statement
On February 5, 2026, Dongfeng’s eπ brand confirmed the incident, expressing condolences to the victims and noting that their team was present on site to cooperate with authorities. The company emphasized that the fire was triggered by a high‑speed impact with a truck and warned that circulating videos might not fully represent the circumstances, potentially causing further distress.
China’s Regulatory Response
Amid growing public outcry, China issued an official ban on concealed door‑handle designs for all new vehicles, starting with electric cars. The regulation mandates that all doors must be operable with a mechanical, manually accessible handle that works even when the vehicle’s power system is compromised.
Why Mechanical Handles Matter – Five Key Safety Benefits
- Immediate egress: A manual handle works without electricity, crucial during fires or battery failures.
- Reduced rescue time: First responders can open doors quickly, minimizing exposure to smoke and heat.
- Lower risk of entrapment: Passengers are not dependent on electronic actuators that may jam.
- Regulatory compliance: Meets emerging global standards for emergency vehicle egress.
- Consumer confidence: Visible, tactile handles reassure drivers and passengers of safety.
Looking Ahead
The Dongfeng fire serves as a stark reminder that sleek, hidden design elements must never compromise safety. As automakers worldwide adopt the new Chinese mandate, drivers can expect more reliable door mechanisms that could one day save lives.
Stay informed about the latest automotive safety updates and ensure your vehicle meets the highest emergency‑egress standards.