A driver in Limassol narrowly escaped injury when a recalled Takata airbag exploded during a collision, sending shrapnel through the vehicle’s roof.
The vehicle was among 82,000 cars in Cyprus awaiting airbag replacement under a recall notice, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades told state radio.
The incident occurred approximately three months ago, according to initial assessments by the Road Transport Department. Officials will conduct a new evaluation today to clarify the exact circumstances.
“The rate of airbag replacements is expected to increase significantly once new replacement parts arrive”, Vafeades said.
Honda Cyprus has secured a shipment of replacement airbags, while Toyota Cyprus expects to receive 9,000 units, the minister added.
Vafeades said the main challenge for companies involves finding adequate staffing and facilities to handle the replacements.
The defective Takata airbags have been subject to one of the largest automotive recalls globally due to risk of explosion and metal fragments causing injury or death.
