REGIONAL

Srinagar road accident raises questions over Mahindra Thar’s airbag safety

By News Desk

November 18, 2024

A recent road accident in Srinagar’s Tengpora area has raised concerns about the reliability of Mahindra vehicles’ airbag systems.

Recently, a Mahindra Thar (JK01AV-4477) collided with a stationary dump truck that was improperly parked along the roadside. Preliminary investigation revealed that the driver was speeding and attempted to overtake, resulting in the accident.

The incident has brought attention to the airbag deployment issue, as initial observations suggest that the airbags did not deploy during the collision. This is not the first time Mahindra has faced criticism over airbag deployment. In a previous incident involving a Scorpio, the company clarified that the variant was equipped with airbags, but the accident was a rollover crash, which wouldn’t trigger frontal airbag deployment.

This has been revealed by a private firm ‘Amazing Automotives Private Limited’ which has conducted a preliminary investigation of the Tengapora mishap.

The firm’s investigation head Mudasir Mehraj told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that a detailed analysis of the airbag module will confirm functionality and compliance. The investigation will also examine the dump truck’s parking location and the absence of warning indicators. A comprehensive review of the Impact Sensor and ECM will provide additional context.

“The final inspection report will be submitted following the results of the airbag module analysis and other technical assessments,” he said adding that the mishap highlights the importance of robust airbag systems and responsible driving practices.

He further said that after conducting the preliminary probe, a formal request has been made to Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar to allow the firm to conduct a complete technical investigation of the said road accident.

Notably, two students were killed in the Tengpora road accident on 14 November this month. [KNT]