Takata airbag to blame for death of driver: NSW Police

POLICE believe the death of a New South Wales man last week was the result of a faulty Takata airbag, following a two-vehicle collision in Sydney’s south-west.

This would be first fatality of its kind in Australia if police allegations are true. In the US, 17 people have died after being hit by shrapnel ejected by faulty Takata airbags.

The 58-year-old male was driving a Honda CRV, part of a worldwide Takata recall that in January 2017 was confirmed to affect almost two million vehicles in Australia, when it collided with a Toyota Celica.

NSW Police investigated the incident and issued an official report stating the man died at the scene after allegedly being struck in the neck by a small fragment.

The Takata airbag recall is the largest in automotive history, affecting roughly 100 million vehicles worldwide.

The driver of the Honda was accompanied by a woman who was treated for non-life threatening injuries, while the two male passengers in the Toyota were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

The death has been reported to the NSW Coroner to determine if an inquest is necessary.

Honda has issued recalls in Australia for thousands of vehicles across several different model types that could potentially be fitted with the faulty airbags. A second recall for 600 vehicles was issued when it was discovered the replacement parts allegedly suffered the same defects.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued its latest warning regarding Takata airbags in April this year.

The death follows an injury suffered by a Darwin woman who was struck in the head by a piece of debris from a faulty Takata airbag in her Toyota RAV4.

Check if your car is affected at the following link: https://www.productsafety.gov.au/news/takata-airbag-recalls-affecting-australian-consumers