Chery not on top
Leading up to the Tianmen Cave, the route features steps that are barely 30 centimetres wide with gradients that exceed 60 degrees in certain sections, making the ascent exceptionally challenging even for vehicles. The leaked footage shows that the SUV struggled to climb up the staircase midway then slipped backward and crashed into a guardrail, taking a massive chunk of the wall.
According to a Global Times report, tourists screamed in shock as the incident unfolded, and the vehicle reportedly remained stuck on the steps for two hours. No injuries were reported. The staircase was closed to visitors on November 12 and 13, though access via the mountain-penetrating elevator continued to operate.
Chery issued a public apology on Thursday, clarifying the cause of the mishap. The company stated that a metal shackle on the safety rope’s anchor point unexpectedly detached, causing the rope to wrap around the vehicle’s right rear wheel. This obstructed power transmission and resulted in the vehicle sliding down the steps.
The company admitted to lapses in its risk assessment and planning, stating, “We not only selected a well-known tourist site for the test but also failed to adequately evaluate potential risks and were negligent in our detailed control measures.” Chery confirmed that it would fully restore the damaged site, provide compensation, and strengthen safety protocols for future testing.
