Fire destroys 25 electric vehicles at Southampton docks

A fire at the Port of Southampton destroyed 25 electric vehicles valued at least £675,000. The blaze was reported around 4:20 a.m. on Wednesday after locals heard multiple explosions and a strong, acrid smell of smoke. The vehicles, believed to be Jaecoo E5 SUVs, were stored at a vehicle compound in the Western Docks, tightly packed together and shielded by temporary fencing. Ten fire engines, along with support vehicles and two water carriers, were dispatched to the scene, and responders worked to prevent spread of the flames; there were no injuries. Associated British Ports said all personnel were accounted for and the fire was extinguished, with the incident affecting around 25 vehicles concentrated in a single storage area. The Jaecoo E5 models reportedly cost more than £27,000 each, and observers noted that some cars appeared gutted while others sustained significant damage to their bodies and interiors. Residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed during the operation to avoid smoke intrusion, and local authorities coordinated traffic advisories as a precaution. The fire service indicated it is not investigating the cause, which remains unknown, while ABP conducts its own inquiry to determine origin, scope, and any potential regulatory implications.