SF Gate: Freak fire traps man inside Audi/Battery failure a p ossible cause

[Darringer, Chris]

I remember buying a battery for a '82 5k, and the battery manufacturer made
two similar models - one with a special gas venting feature and one without.
The 5k required the one that allowed any hydrogen gas to be vented through a
tube, but I believe the other model without the tube would have fit and
worked.

Maybe compromising the venting of hydrogen gas by not having the right
battery, disconnecting the venting tube, or crimping the tube, could lead to
this kind of sudden fire.

As for the doors not unlocking, could a security system do this?  I know a
certain German car manufacturer had a recall when passengers would get
locked into their cars (and could not get out) due to a bug in the security
system.

Chris
'90 80q