Driver Dies After Airbag Malfunction in Singapore Collision

A tragic incident in Singapore has resulted in the death of a 57-year-old man, Michael Ong Kong Meng, due to a malfunctioning airbag. This case marks the first reported death linked to a Takata airbag in the country, highlighting ongoing concerns surrounding vehicle safety. The incident occurred on the morning of October 10, 2022, during a chain collision on the Seletar Expressway (SLE) involving six vehicles.

During the collision, Mr. Ong’s vehicle, positioned fifth in line, collided with another car after the vehicle in front had slowed down. The impact was significant enough to trigger the deployment of the airbag in Mr. Ong’s car, but instead of providing protection, it expelled a metallic object that ultimately penetrated his head. The autopsy confirmed that the object, measuring 1.5 cm in length and 2.2 cm in diameter, had entered through his mouth and became lodged in his skull, leading to his death.

Details of the Collision and Investigation Findings

The coroner’s court heard that Mr. Ong was unresponsive when taken to the hospital and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. According to the senior investigation officer, Station Inspector Firdaus Suleiman, this is the first known incident in Singapore involving a Takata airbag malfunction. The defective airbags have been associated with multiple fatalities and injuries globally due to their tendency to eject metal shrapnel upon deployment.

A total of 198,000 vehicles with the defective airbags have been recalled in Singapore, with a rectification rate reaching 94 percent. Despite the high recall rate, the court revealed that Mr. Ong’s vehicle was imported by a parallel importer, Hong Sin Motors, which has since ceased operations in 2017. The company failed to report the recall to the Land Transport Authority (LTA), which is responsible for overseeing vehicle safety in Singapore.

Counsel for Mr. Ong’s widow expressed frustration over the lack of accountability from Hong Sin Motors, noting that the car had changed hands multiple times before it reached Mr. Ong. The court was informed that although Honda had initiated a recall for affected models between 2012 and 2014, the specific history of Mr. Ong’s vehicle was not documented with Kah Motor, the main distributor of Honda cars in Singapore.

Regulatory Oversight and Future Implications

During the proceedings, Mr. Ng Lok Yee, a principal engineer with the LTA, emphasized the responsibility of vehicle manufacturers and dealers to notify the authority of any safety-related defects. He stated that parallel importers like Hong Sin Motors are also obligated to inform the LTA and the affected vehicle owners about recalls. The court was informed that the LTA actively engages with the automotive industry to monitor vehicle recalls and ensure compliance.

The incident raises significant concerns regarding the effectiveness of the current recall system and the responsibilities of vehicle importers. Mr. Ng acknowledged that without confirmation from the dealer, the LTA could not determine if a vehicle was affected by the recall. He further reiterated that while the LTA has mechanisms to monitor recalls, the onus is on dealers to keep their records updated.

As the inquiry into Mr. Ong’s death continues, the court is set to schedule further hearings to examine the implications of this case for vehicle safety regulations in Singapore. Meanwhile, the family of Mr. Ong awaits clarity on the circumstances surrounding this tragic loss and the measures that will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.