Transport Canada investigating airbag inflator rupture incident in Canada
News Release
Canada and United States working to identify cause of rupture
August 4, 2016 – Ottawa, ON – Transport Canada
Transport Canada is investigating a case of a ruptured driver airbag inflator that caused a fatal injury in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The ruptured inflator is manufactured by ARC Automotive Inc. and is not related to recent Takata airbag inflator failures.
Two previous incidents involving ARC inflator ruptures occurred in the United States, both causing serious injuries. Transport Canada and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States are in communication on this issue.
The cause of the ARC inflator rupture has not yet been determined. The department will continue working with NHTSA and other stakeholders to identify the cause of the rupture. Should a safety defect be found, owners will be notified.
Quick Facts
- Fatal airbag deployments in Canada are rare and this is the first recorded Canadian fatality resulting from a ruptured inflator.
- ARC Automotive Inc. is fully cooperating with the department's investigation.
- Airbags are a proven safety technology and have saved many lives. The department maintains its position that the benefits of airbags continue to outweigh the risks.
- Transport Canada is also working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and automobile manufacturers on this investigation.
Links
Contacts
Delphine Denis
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
media@tc.gc.ca
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