Truck Full of Takata Products Explodes, Killing One

Aug. 29, 2016—A truck transporting inflators and propellants used by Takata exploded in Texas last week, killing one woman and injuring four other people, according to a report from Reuters.

The truck was operated by a Takata subcontractor near Eagle Pass, Texas. The driver of the truck “failed to negotiate” a curve on the highway and crashed, according to a statement from the Texas Department of Public Safety. 

"The trailer (carrying air bag detonators and blasting agent) exploded and engulfed in flames, causing fire to the home and a passing vehicle," the statement said.

The truck crashed near a home, killing 67-year-old Lucila Robles. Robles was reportedly inside her home at the time of the accident. 

Takata is cooperating with the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s investigation. 

The truck was carrying inflators and propellants containing ammonium nitrate. Takata airbags have been part of a massive recall for incidents involving excessive explosions. Prolonged exposure to humidity can cause the airbags and inflators to explode excessively, spraying shrapnel toward passengers.