Tesla probes car self-ignition case in Shanghai

Footage captured by a surveillance camera shows how the car ignited on its own. [Video from Sina Weibo]

US auto giant Tesla said on April 22 that no one was hurt in a vehicle self-ignition accident at an underground garage in Shanghai and it has sent a team to the scene.

According to the Xinmin Evening News, the self-ignition of a white Tesla sedan took place at about 8 pm on April 21 at a community garage in Shanghai's Xuhui district, where residents living in the apartment building were evacuated following the accident.

Footage caught on a surveillance camera showed that thick smoke rose from the car, followed by huge flames. Cars parked nearby were also damaged.

Due to the irritating odor, firefighters closed the entrance of the garage to spray water before going inside to clear out the fire.

Tesla said on its official micro blog that it has alerted related agencies and was cooperative in verifying the incident.