China: Man burning leaves causes fire that destroys 20 new electric cars

A fire in Dalian, Liaoning province, China, destroyed 20 new electric vehicles that were parked and awaiting customer delivery. The blaze reportedly originated from a 74-year-old man attempting to burn fallen leaves along a roadside.

According to China National Radio, the incident occurred on May 30 in the Ganjingzi district. Social media videos showed intense flames engulfing the vehicles in the parking lot, with thick black smoke rising high into the sky. Firefighters and police responded quickly to extinguish the fire. Fortunately, there were no human casualties.

Authorities identified the suspect as a 74-year-old man surnamed Wang. He stated that he used a lighter to burn accumulated fallen leaves near walkways and outdoor areas for cleanup. However, strong winds at the time caused the fire to spread rapidly and uncontrollably to the nearby parking lot filled with new cars.

While official sources have not confirmed the vehicle's make or model, images circulating online suggest the burned cars bear a strong resemblance to the Geely Galaxy A7 sedan, recently launched in China. The vehicles were reportedly stored in a lot before being handed over to customers.

Investigators confirmed that the fire's origin was external to the vehicles, not from their batteries or internal components. Legal experts cited by Chinese media indicated that Wang's actions could be classified as arson due to negligence. Depending on the extent of the damage and consequences, he could face penalties ranging from detention to imprisonment under Chinese law. The incident serves as a warning about seasonal fire risks, especially in areas where numerous new vehicles are stored before delivery.