On January 30, an unnamed boy threw a lit firecracker into a drain on a grassy area in Sichuan Province, China, and ran away. The resulting explosion sent several high-end cars parked nearby flying into the air and flipping over completely.
According to insurance companies, eight vehicles, including a Porsche, a BMW, and an Audi, were damaged. The total damage amounted to 285,000 yuan (approximately $41,000 USD). As reported by Jiupai News, the boy’s family will be responsible for most of this compensation.
Fortunately, the boy was not injured. Police later worked with the child and his guardian to determine that the object thrown into the drain was a firecracker used during the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Surveillance cameras captured footage of the boy standing between two cars before the explosion occurred (Image: CCTV).
Owners of three damaged vehicles (including a Lincoln, a Lexus, and a BMW) had insurance contracts. The insurance company estimated it would cover losses of 166,000 yuan (approximately $24,000 USD).
Another insurance company estimated the compensation for the damaged Porsche at 40,000 yuan (approximately $5,800 USD), while the damage to a Li Auto vehicle was around 15,000 yuan (approximately $2,200 USD).
Tan Mintao, a lawyer from Beijing Zhong Wen Law Firm, told the media that after compensating the car owners, the insurance companies could seek compensation from the boy’s guardians, as they bear primary responsibility for the incident.
He noted that if the boy’s family can prove negligence on the part of the drainage system managers, the liability might be shared.
The boy throws a firecracker into the drain, causing an explosion that damages luxury cars (Screenshot from video).
In reality, the grassy area next to the restaurant is not a designated parking lot. If restaurant staff had asked drivers to park there, the restaurant could also face some responsibility.
“However, the primary responsibility lies with the boy’s guardians,” the lawyer emphasized.
In an online video, the boy’s grandmother apologized.
“I sincerely apologize. It’s my fault. I failed in my role as a grandmother,” she said tearfully.
She explained that she was responsible for caring for the boy and that the accident happened due to her negligence. “Please don’t say harsh words about us. I can’t bear it,” she added.
