Mercedes-Benz catches fire in Tainan parking lot; owner injured, debts probed

A Mercedes-Benz vehicle was engulfed in flames early Monday morning in a parking lot in Tainan City's Anping District, prompting a swift response from the fire department.

Firefighters arrived at the scene around 4:30 a.m. and quickly extinguished the blaze that consumed the black luxury car. In the vicinity of the burnt vehicle, they discovered the 40-year-old owner, identified by the surname Chen, collapsed on the ground. He was suffering from smoke inhalation and appeared disoriented, leading to his immediate transport to a hospital for treatment.

Initial reports indicate that Chen is the owner of the Mercedes-Benz. It is suspected that he may have been inside the vehicle when the fire broke out and, overcome by smoke, fled the car only to fall and injure his chin. A charcoal basin was found inside the car, and the cause of the fire is currently under police investigation.

Further investigation into Chen's background has revealed that he reportedly has substantial debts. Police are exploring whether these financial issues are connected to the car fire.