Imagine a world where your daily commute involves dodging other cars in the sky—now imagine two of those high-tech flying cars colliding mid-air in a fiery, headline-grabbing crash. That’s exactly what happened with Xpeng Aeroht’s futuristic vehicles, and the world is watching.

In a jaw-dropping moment that could’ve been ripped straight from a sci-fi blockbuster, two electric flying cars—known as eVTOLs, or electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles—from Xpeng Aeroht, a cutting-edge Chinese startup, collided during a rehearsal for the Changchun air show on September 16. Xpeng Aeroht, now a part of electric vehicle giant Xpeng since 2020, has been racing to roll out its ambitious Land Aircraft Carrier—a hybrid creation that’s part regular EV, part detachable flying machine. But this accident might have just thrown a wrench into those sky-high dreams.

According to company statements, the two futuristic aircraft flew too close together, leading to a mid-air collision. As the drama unfolded, one eVTOL burst into flames upon landing, sending thick black smoke billowing across the grassy runway and calling fire trucks into action. The other flying car made a safe descent, but the damage to Xpeng Aeroht’s reputation may be harder to put out.

Thankfully, despite the apocalyptic visuals, Xpeng Aeroht confirmed that no one was injured. Yet, the sight of ambulances and fire crews frantically working at the scene only amplified the public’s anxiety about whether we’re truly ready for a future filled with pilotless, people-carrying drones whizzing overhead.

This incident couldn’t have come at a worse time for Xpeng. The company was gearing up for the first deliveries of its Land Aircraft Carrier, currently available for pre-order in China and aiming for mass production by 2026. China has been a major cheerleader for the so-called “low-altitude economy”—a vision where eVTOLs transform short-range travel and reshape urban landscapes. But after this crash (and Xpeng’s recent recall of its P7+ electric sedans due to a steering glitch), the pressure is on to prove that flying cars aren’t just a dangerous pipe dream.

If you’re wondering what this all means for the future of flying cars, you’re not alone. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause, while social media buzzes with footage of the fiery aftermath. As the world tunes in to this AI generated newscast about flying car tech, the central question remains: is the dream of a sky filled with safe, reliable airborne vehicles still alive—or is it going up in smoke?

Stay tuned for more AI generated newscasts about flying car safety as this story continues to unfold.