25.10.05.Today News : Mercedes EV Catches Fire in Suwon Apartment Parking Lot During Charging

Mercedes EV Catches Fire in Suwon Apartment Parking Lot During Charging

📍Fire in 1,800-unit apartment complex prompts resident evacuation; battery-related cause under investigation

A fire broke out in the underground parking lot of a large apartment complex in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, when a Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle caught fire during charging. One maintenance worker inhaled smoke and was taken to the hospital, while dozens of residents were evacuated. Authorities are investigating whether the fire originated from the vehicle’s battery or electrical system.

A Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle caught fire while charging in an apartment building's underground parking garage.

---

🔹 The Fire Breaks Out During Morning Hours
At around 8:04 a.m. on October 5, a Mercedes EV parked in the underground parking lot of an 1,800-household apartment complex in Gokbanjeong-dong, Suwon, caught fire while being charged.
A 50-year-old building maintenance worker tried to extinguish the blaze himself but inhaled smoke and was hospitalized. Emergency broadcasts urged residents to evacuate immediately.

🔹 Fire Extinguished After Two Hours
Firefighters dispatched 19 vehicles and 57 personnel to the scene. The blaze was initially contained by 8:43 a.m. and completely extinguished by 10:16 a.m.
Four vehicles, including the Mercedes that first caught fire, were destroyed. Firefighters used foam blankets to prevent further spread and conducted ventilation operations throughout the parking structure.

🔹 Investigators Focus on Charging Battery as Possible Cause
Authorities suspect the fire started during charging but have not yet confirmed if the battery itself ignited.
A fire official stated, “We are still investigating whether the fire originated from the EV battery or another electrical component.”

🔹 Previous Mercedes EV Fire Raises Concerns
This incident follows a previous Mercedes EQE fire in Incheon last year that damaged hundreds of nearby vehicles.
That case involved a Chinese-made Parasis battery with a prior recall history, sparking widespread criticism and damaging Mercedes-Benz’s image among Korean consumers.

🔹 Residents Call for Tighter EV Safety Measures
Although no deaths occurred, the early-morning evacuation caused significant panic.
Residents have urged local authorities and management companies to strengthen safety inspections of EV charging facilities and install more advanced fire detection systems.

One-line summary :A Mercedes EV caught fire during charging in a Suwon apartment parking lot, injuring one maintenance worker and forcing dozens of residents to evacuate.