Items of Interest to Fire Investigators

Exploding Airbag Device
 

A message from Bob Duval,
NFPA  

Gentlemen,

The NTSB has gotten involved in the exploding airbag story.  Just a FYI.

Thank you for your replies to my original e-mail request.RFD

Deadly Booby Traps Reported in Vehicle Air Bag Systems

WRITTEN BY: Fire Fighting.com Staff , DATE POSTED: 4/23/01

A representative with the National Transportation Safety Board reports a new potential hazard in vehicle airbag systems for rescuers: The compartments may contain deadly booby traps set by drug smuggling operations.

Nancy McAtee, an explosion expert with the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB), has issued an e-mail reporting the NTSB has received information regarding a booby-trapped airbag compartment in a Ford Taurus that was linked to a narcotics investigation.

Nothing was found during the initial vehicle search, but a police department
K-9 unit alerted the officers to the front passenger side of the vehicle, stated McAtee.

A subsequent search found wiring as well as other indications of a hidden compartment. An attempt to short-circuit the wires to activate the compartment resulted in an explosion of the booby trap, which damaged the interior panel of the front passenger side door.

A police explosives unit responded to the scene and was able to activate the hidden compartment that was located inside the passenger airbag area.  A further examination indicated that the passenger airbag was removed and the compartment modified.

In addition, the carbon dioxide (CO₂) canister that is usually associated with the airbag was also modified and rewired to the passenger door.  It was learned that should the compartment be opened in any manner other than the designated way, the CO₂ canister would be activated causing the passenger side door panels to explode.

The NTSB has received information indicating that a drug smuggling organization is removing airbags and replacing them with pouches filled with nails, bolts and other small metal objects. Bundles of drugs are reportedly placed into a hidden compartment located in another area of the dashboard.

These bundles are then connected to the triggering device of the airbag mechanism via a trip wire. Upon removal of the drug bundle (from the concealed compartment) the airbag mechanism device is activated resulting in an explosive release of nails, bolts, etc.

Rescuers should exercise extreme caution when examining the passenger airbag area to determine if a concealed compartment is present, says McAtee.  In addition, precaution should be taken so as not to position oneself directly in front of the airbag compartment.

This information was confirmed with local police officials. They have instituted a policy whereby if an officer suspects a vehicle may fit this category, the officer is to back off and request a response by their explosive ordinance personnel.

"This has been verified so no hoax here folks," said McAtee's e-mail.  She said it is not known how widespread the practice is, but "it is something to keep in mind."

Please pass this information on to your operating personnel.