Overview
- Fire crews were called to a vehicle storage compound on West Bay Road early on Wednesday, June 3, and used up to 10 engines, two water carriers and an aerial ladder to bring the blaze under control within about an hour.
- Officials reported different damage totals with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service saying 33 hybrid vehicles were involved and Associated British Ports saying the fire impacted around 25 vehicles.
- Coverage and port sources identified the burnt cars as Chinese-made Jaecoo hybrid SUVs that had reportedly been bought by customers and were being held by National Vehicle Distribution.
- There were no reported injuries, but the damaged vehicles remain cordoned at the Western Docks pending forensic and insurer-led checks and removal from the site.
- Jaecoo UK and local authorities have opened an investigation into the cause, and the incident could affect customer deliveries, insurer claims and port vehicle handling while questions over ownership and liability are clarified.