6 month-old Mahindra XUV700 catches fire on Jaipur highway [Video]

Update: Mahindra has shared a statement regarding this incident.

The XUV700, the top-of-the-line SUV from Mahindra, the country’s largest utility manufacturer, is currently one of the most popular SUVs in India. The model’s success can be attributed to its appealing features and its value for money compared to other SUVs. However, despite its popularity and advancements, it is not without flaws. Since its launch, the vehicle has been plagued with various issues. Most recently, an owner of the XUV700 named Kuldeep Singh shared a horrific incident involving his 6-month-old Mahindra XUV700 catching fire unexpectedly on the Jaipur highway.

Thank You Mahindra For Risking My Family's Life With Your Most Premium
Product (XUV700).
The Car Catches Fire While Driving On Jaipur Highway.
The car did not overheat, smoke came in the moving car, then it caught fire.@anandmahindra @MahindraRise @tech_mahindra @ElvishYadav pic.twitter.com/H5HXzdmwvS

— Kuldeep Singh (@ThKuldeep31) May 21, 2023

The owner expressed his frustration by tweeting, “Thank you, Mahindra, for risking my family’s life with your most premium product (XUV700). The car caught fire while driving on the Jaipur highway. It didn’t overheat; smoke entered the moving car, and then it caught fire. @anandmahindra @MahindraRise @tech_mahindra @ElvishYadav.”

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From the videos shared by the owner, it is evident that the fire was contained in the engine compartment and did not spread to the car’s interior. Nevertheless, this incident was horrifying, and the exact cause of the fire remains unknown. In the comments section of the Twitter post, many people speculated that it could have been due to a short circuit or aftermarket modifications made by the car owner. However, the owner stated that the car was only six months old and no modifications were made.

The videos also showed that the individuals near the car attempted to extinguish the fire with water, which is not the safest method. They should have used a fire extinguisher instead. For those unaware of what to do in a car fire situation, here are a few important points to remember when trying to control a car fire:

Stay calm and park the car

Find a safe place to pull over, away from traffic and other vehicles. Turn off the engine and shift the car into park. If possible, engage the emergency/parking brake to prevent any movement.

Evacuate the vehicle

Ensure that all occupants, including yourself, quickly exit the car and move to a safe distance, at least 100 feet away from the burning vehicle.

Call emergency services

Dial the emergency number in your country (such as 911 in the United States) to report the fire. Provide accurate information about the location and situation.

Warn others

Use hazard lights, flares, or warning triangles to alert other motorists about the car fire and keep them at a safe distance.

Do not open the hood

Opening the hood can supply more oxygen to the fire, exacerbating the situation. It is crucial to keep the hood closed to restrict the oxygen supply.

Use a fire extinguisher

If you have access to a fire extinguisher and it is safe to do so, aim it at the base of the flames—the source of the fire—and sweep from side to side until the fire is extinguished. However, only attempt this if you have received proper training and feel confident in using a fire extinguisher. Safety should always be your priority.

Do not use water

Water should never be used to extinguish a car fire, especially if it involves flammable liquids or electrical components. Water can spread the fire or even cause an explosion.

Wait for professional help

After taking initial steps to control the fire, it is best to wait for professional firefighters to arrive. They have the necessary equipment and training to handle vehicle fires safely.

Remember, your safety and the safety of others are of utmost importance. If the fire becomes uncontrollable, do not endanger yourself. Move to a safe location and let the professionals handle the situation.

Mahindra’s official statement :

Our customers' safety is always our top most priority. Here is our official statement with reference to an incident on Jaipur National Highway involving the XUV700. pic.twitter.com/hOHEQWhVyC

— Mahindra Automotive (@Mahindra_Auto) May 22, 2023

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