US probes grievance that girl was trapped in flaming SUV
U.S. security regulators are investigating attainable electrical issues in older Dodge Journeys after a lady was trapped and died when her SUV caught hearth in December
DETROIT — U.S. security regulators are investigating attainable electrical issues in older Dodge Journeys after a lady was trapped and died when her SUV caught hearth in December.
The Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration says it is investigating whether or not inoperative door locks and home windows can stop folks from getting out of the SUVs throughout an emergency.
Paperwork posted Friday on the company’s web site say the probe covers greater than 82,000 Journeys from the 2009 mannequin 12 months. The investigation was opened after the lady’s dying on Dec. 9.
A grievance filed with the company says the lady pulled to the facet of a highway when warning lights began flashing, windshield wipers got here on, the horn began honking, home windows would not go down and the doorways would not unlock. The grievance alleged that fireside apparently began within the engine and unfold, trapping the lady inside.
“The driving force was unable to exit the car, leading to her dying,” the company wrote in paperwork.
Stellantis, which makes Dodge automobiles, provided sympathy to the lady’s household and stated it’s cooperating with NHTSA.
Company paperwork do not say the place the fireplace occurred, however the Wisconsin State Journal reported in January that 73-year-old Mary Frahm died when her Journey caught hearth Dec. 9 close to Madison.
Frahm had referred to as her fiance and informed him she pulled to the facet of the highway after the Journey began having electrical issues. Later she referred to as again and stated smoke was coming from the dashboard and she or he may scent burning, the newspaper stated. She referred to as 911, however by the point first responders had arrived, flames had engulfed the SUV, the newspaper reported.
