A Controversial Incident: BYD Vehicle Creates Havoc During Supertifón Ragasa in Zhuhai
A BYD vehicle has been at the center of a highly controversial incident during the floods caused by Supertifón Ragasa in Zhuhai, Guangdong province. The driver of a luxurious Yangwang U8, renowned for its amphibious capabilities, repeatedly traversed a completely inundated street. This peculiar maneuver led to significant disturbances, including the shattering of several windows and causing damage to local shops along the route.
What Happened
On the night of September 24, while Supertifón Ragasa unleashed torrential rains in Zhuhai, resulting in severe flooding in the Doumen District, a Yangwang U8 was witnessed traversing Jinwan Middle Road multiple times. Footage captured by local residents, later shared by the media outlet Car News China, revealed that the SUV created substantial waves as it moved through the stagnant water, negatively impacting the facades of nearby stores.
Severe Damage
The videos circulating on social media depicted shattered glass and deformed metal blinds that resulted from the force of the water. One affected shopkeeper recounted to local media, “After the vehicle passed, the entire electrical circuit collapsed,” noting that surveillance and other essential systems were rendered inoperative. The merchant expressed gratitude to the residents who recorded the incident, as this evidence would aid in lodging claims for damages.
The Official Response
According to reports from Car News China, Zhuhai police quickly took action by summoning the driver for questioning. Authorities urged affected merchants to document all damages and provide video footage to bolster their complaints. The situation remains under further investigation, emphasizing the need for accountability in the aftermath of the incident.
A Vehicle Designed for Water
The irony in this situation is stark, as the Yangwang U8, launched in China in 2023 at a hefty price of approximately 153,000 euros, boasts amphibious capabilities intended for emergency scenarios. Equipped with an intelligent individual traction system (IWD) featuring four independent motors, the SUV can float for up to 30 minutes in emergency flotation mode and wade through waters as deep as 1.4 meters in its Master Edition variant. However, the public did not expect the vehicle to generate such formidable waves, resulting in extensive damage to nearby establishments.
A Devastating Typhoon
Supertifón Ragasa, also known as Nando in the Philippines, has been recognized as the most intense storm of 2025, having registered winds up to 270 km/h and a minimum atmospheric pressure of 905 MB. The storm began on September 22 in Cagayan, Philippines, and extended its reach through Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and South China. Tragically, the typhoon has claimed numerous lives, with reports indicating 25 fatalities and over a hundred injuries, alongside considerable infrastructure damage.
As the authorities continue their investigations into the incident involving the Yangwang U8, the events serve as a critical reminder of the complex interplay between innovative vehicle technologies and public safety.
The outcome of this case could set important precedents for future traffic conduct during extreme weather events and shape the narrative around responsible automotive advancements.
In conclusion, the actions of the Yangwang U8 driver raise serious questions about individual accountability amid natural disasters. As the investigation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how local authorities approach such incidents in the future while also ensuring that technological advancements in the automotive sector do not exacerbate natural calamities.