Mercedes EQE Sedan Explodes in South Korean Apartment Complex

Introduction

A Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan caused a major fire in an apartment complex in South Korea. The incident occurred when the fully electric vehicle exploded while parked and not charging. As a result, 20 residents and 1 firefighter were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Details of the Incident

The incident took place in the city of Incheon, South Korea, and was captured on CCTV footage from the underground parking. The EQE sedan emitted white smoke before erupting into flames, which later spread to nearby vehicles. The toxic fumes from the fire led to 21 people being hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Additionally, approximately 70 other vehicles parked nearby were damaged.

Response and Investigation

The Incheon Fire Department responded to the fire, deploying 177 emergency responders and 80 pieces of equipment. It took eight hours to extinguish the fire. The police and fire department have opened an investigation into the cause of the incident. Experts speculate that the electric vehicle may have been involved in a collision prior to the fire, resulting in damage to its battery and subsequent overheating.

Impact and Evacuation

The fire caused damage to around 70 other vehicles parked nearby and sent black smoke high into the sky. A total of 209 residents had to evacuate their apartments due to heavy smoke. Firefighters rescued nearly half of the residents from the stairs and balconies. Twenty residents, including seven infants and children under 10 years old, were transferred to the hospital after inhaling smoke. One firefighter was also injured.

Mercedes-Benz’s Response

A spokesperson from the local arm of Mercedes-Benz expressed concern about the incident and stated that they are working closely with fire authorities to determine the exact cause. The exact model and batteries of the EQE sedan involved in the fire have not been confirmed yet.

Conclusion

This incident highlights the challenges of dealing with electric vehicle fires. While they occur less frequently than fires in internal combustion engine-powered vehicles, they can be more difficult to extinguish. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.