On Aug. 22, a truck transporting Takata airbag parts crashed and exploded near Quemado, Texas, killing one person and injuring four others.
The crash caused the airbag propellant in the trailer to ignite, triggering a massive explosion that destroyed the trailer and a nearby home, killing the woman who lived there. The truck’s drivers and two motorists who passed the accident were also injured by the blast.
The explosion was so powerful that investigators found engine parts two miles away from the wreckage.
The force of the explosion highlights the potency of the ammonium nitrate propellant used in Takata airbags, which have been recalled in the nation’s largest-ever car safety recall.
Takata airbags have been linked to 14 deaths and 150 injuries. The propellant is susceptible to degrading in warmer climates, causing a violent explosion when an airbag is deployed. Drivers and passengers are at risk for being sprayed with shards of metal.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration determined that the airbag propellant and other parts were shipped properly. Investigators reviewed shipping documents and determined that the safety measures taken were in line with regulatory requirements.
The NTSB will determine if a more extensive investigation is warranted, though two U.S. senators have called for a deeper probe into the incident. The senators noted that ammonium nitrate is used in construction, mining and agriculture and they want to prevent future crashes and explosions on highways.
If you were injured in an accident due to faulty Takata airbags, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact the personal injury attorneys in Fort Worth at Anderson & Cummings to review your claim and find out if you could be awarded damages.
Call (817) 920-9000 or complete our Free Case Evaluation form today.