Xiaomi Under Fire: Investigation into Fatal Accident and Alleged Door Lock Failure

The accident resulted in the deaths of three people, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the accident. After the collision, the vehicle's emergency call system was triggered, and the vehicle's occupants were unable to open the doors due to the vehicle's electrical system malfunctioning. A person claiming to be a family member of the victims posted a message on a video platform stating that the Xiaomi SU7 had experienced a severe traffic accident, followed by an explosion, and that the car's doors were locked, making it impossible for the occupants to escape.

Xiaomi's customer service has responded to concerns about the alleged "car door lock failure" issue, stating that their vehicles are equipped with an emergency unlock device, which can be used to open the door even in the event of a power failure. However, it is unclear whether the company has received any feedback related to this issue. When a reporter called Xiaomi's customer service hotline, the representative explained that if the vehicle's door lock fails due to a power outage, users can try to find the emergency unlock mechanism located at the bottom of the vehicle. The representative also stated that the vehicle is equipped with a mechanical handle that can be used to open the door in the event of an emergency.

According to the user manual for the SU7, in the event of an emergency, users can pull the emergency mechanical handle inside the door to open it. Despite this, it remains unclear whether this information is adequately communicated to buyers or if the company has taken sufficient measures to address potential safety concerns. The customer service representative was unsure whether this safety feature is explained to buyers at the time of purchase or during safety training. Additionally, when asked if Xiaomi had received any feedback about the door lock failure issue, the representative stated that they had not received any related information.

The incident has sparked widespread controversy and questioning, with concerns about the vehicle's door locking mechanism, the effectiveness of its emergency devices, the driver's operation, and Xiaomi's response, which is deemed insufficient and lacking in transparency. Xiaomi has established a special task force to assist with the investigation and provide support to the families of the victims. The company has also submitted data and information about the vehicle's operation to the authorities. An investigation into the incident is currently underway, and Xiaomi's response will be closely scrutinized by regulators, customers, and the public. The incident has also sparked a wider discussion about the safety of intelligent and connected vehicles, and the need for manufacturers to prioritize transparency and accountability in their response to accidents and customer concerns.