A total of two Waymo autonomous vehicles were intentionally set on fire during a large-scale public disturbance in Los Angeles on the evening of February 10, 2024. The incident did not occur during normal testing operations but was part of a crowd's actions during a Chinese New Year celebration in the city's downtown core. According to official statements from both Waymo and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the vehicles were empty at the time, and there were no injuries reported. This event is considered a targeted act of vandalism rather than a failure of the autonomous technology itself.
The first vehicle, a Jaguar I-PACE, was surrounded by a crowd, its windows were broken, and a firework was lit inside, causing a significant fire that destroyed the car. A second Waymo vehicle nearby was also vandalized and set ablaze. The LAPD is investigating the incident. Waymo emphasized that such events are rare and that safety protocols are in place. The company's vehicles are equipped with a communication system that allows remote advisors to monitor situations and, if necessary, guide the vehicle to a safe stop. This incident highlights the complex challenges, including public perception and safety, that companies face when deploying autonomous vehicle technology in urban environments. The data below outlines key details of the incident.
| Incident Detail | Specific Information |
|---|
| Date of Incident | February 10, 2024 |
| Location | Downtown Los Angeles, Chinatown area |
| Number of Waymo Cars Burned | 2 |
| Vehicle Model | Jaguar I-PACE (Waymo's 5th generation driver) |
| Cause | Intentional vandalism by a crowd |
| Injuries | None reported |
| Status of Investigation | Active investigation by LAPD |
| Waymo's Public Statement | Confirmed the incident, highlighted no injuries, and reiterated safety protocols |
