Tesla Fire in South Korea Sparks EV Safety Concerns

YONGIN, South Korea - Local fire authorities reported that a parked Tesla electric vehicle caught fire in the South Korean city of Yongin on Friday.

The blaze burned for about four hours before firefighters extinguished it.

The incident occurred around 7:40 p.m. local time in Giheung district.

A fire broke out in the Tesla's battery compartment, which was not charging at the time.

Firefighters responded to the owner's emergency call, deploying about 50 personnel and 20 pieces of equipment, including fire trucks. 

They used specialized suffocation covers and mobile extinguishing tanks to combat the flames.

The fire was controlled by 10:57 p.m. and fully extinguished by 11:53 p.m. 

No injuries were reported, but the vehicle was destroyed.

Eyewitness accounts shared on social media described smoke initially emanating from the front wheel.

The owner attempted to use a fire extinguisher before the situation rapidly escalated.

Local authorities received approximately 20 additional reports about the incident as smoke spread. 

An investigation into the exact cause of the fire is pending.

This event follows a recent electric vehicle fire in an Incheon apartment complex, raising concerns about electric vehicle safety among some members of the public.