bbryant August 26th, 2010
Jeep Grand Cherokees built from 1993 to 2004 are currently being investigated by US safety officials to determine whether or not the gas tank position could cause fuel to spill if the vehicle is struck from behind. After 2004 the automaker moved the fuel tank. And the company has recently started selling a redesigned model for 2011 which eliminates the concern that is currently being voiced.
Records show that the vehicle has an excellent safety record. However, there have been 44 Grand Cherokee crashes and 55 deaths since 1992 where fire was listed as the most harmful factor. Of those figures, 10 of the crashes and 13 of the deaths occurred in rear end crashes according to the federal safety agency.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the Center for Auto Safety, a safety research group, petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to start an investigation. According to the group, “the vehicle’s plastic fuel tank behind the rear axle and below the rear bumper makes it especially vulnerable to rupturing or leaking and causing fires in rear-impact collisions.” ABC owned station WTVD in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina first brought attention to the alleged problem when they told the story of a 49-year-old mother, Susan Kline, who died in a fiery accident in 2007. Police reports show that the woman was on a New Jersey highway and had slowed down to avoid a car that was backing up after having missed an exit. She was subsequently rear-ended and her 1996 Grand Cherokee burst into flames.
Not that long ago, Toyota was under investigation. So often, the automakers and other big businesses shield their cost cutting practices and less than stellar safety records by creating slick advertisements and marketing programs to tout their products and services. In many cases, once these corporate entities come under scrutiny, evidence surfaces showing monetary reasons that influenced decisions to choose cost cutting over safety. Hopefully, that will not be at the root of this case. But it seems to happen frequently enough to cause the public to question whether or not money was a factor. BP Oil is certainly perpetuating that line of thinking.
A spokesman for Chrysler says that the company is fully cooperating with safety officials and that the Grand Cherokee “meets or exceeds federal safety standards.” Safety officials are still working towards determining whether or not to issue a recall. Some of these recalls help avert potentially dangerous situations that can cause both serious injury and death.
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admin August 5th, 2010
One Houston fire in an apartment complex is enough to set residence on guard, but what about multiple fires?
Residents are alarmed after Houston fires have killed three residents in the same apartment complex, according to the Houston Chronicle.
The Houston fires occurred in Park Houston Apartments where three people have died as the result of the blazes.
One Houston fire death was a 65-year-old woman. The other Houston fire victims were a 47-year-old woman and a 16-year-old, both of whom were disabled.
Residents are concerned that there are no alternative exits for the apartment so in the event of a Houston fire, residents may be stuck.
Read more.
Do you have an alternative Houston fire escape in your home?
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admin June 3rd, 2010
June 3, 2010
Home fires strike fear in the hearts of residents, first due to the thought of lost loved ones, and second due to the thought of lost belongings.
Fortunately, the victims of Austin fires did not have to cope with the loss or injuries of loved ones. However, two homes sustained thousands of dollars in damages as a result, according to My Fox.
The Austin fire occurred in the utility room of a home on Club Terrace. The blaze spread to the attached carport and a neighboring house. The house where the Austin fire because sustained $50,000 in damages, including a burned truck and motorcycle. The neighboring home sustained $20,000 in damages.
Fortunately, no one suffered Austin fire and burn injuries as a result of the blaze.
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Have you ever received Austin fire or burn injuries? Have you suffered loss due to a Texas fire?
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admin May 20th, 2010
May 20, 2010
A fire is unfortunate for those involved, no matter the circumstances. However, when suspicion surrounds the fire, it can be even more traumatic.
Investigators are calling a Texas fire suspicious after a woman suffers serious Texas fire and burn injuries.
According to the Dallas Morning News, a woman suffered Texas fire and burn injuries at the site of the fire on Woodland Terrace near Highway 183 and Brown Trail around 4 a.m.
When firefighters and police arrived, the 41-year-old Texas fire injury victim was outside the home with her parents who helped her escape the blaze.
Investigators say the fire is suspicious but have not confirmed reports that the Texas fire victim’s domestic partner had drenched her in gasoline and set her on fire.
The Texas fire and burn injury victim suffered second-degree burns over 70% of her body.
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What charges, if any, do you think will be made after this Texas fire and burn injury?
Have you ever suffered a Texas fire and burn injury?
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admin May 13th, 2010
May 13, 2010
Did you experience slowed traffic on U.S. 59 recently? If so, a downtown Houston fire may have been the cause.
According to the Houston Chronicle, a fire at an abandoned building downtown sent smoke onto U.S. 59 causing traffic to slow.
It is unclear what the abandoned building was used for, but it had boarded windows and no sign to indicate its purpose.
No one was injured as a result of the Houston fire, but the cause of the Houston fire is unknown.
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Have you ever suffered a fire or burn injury? Have you suffered loss because of a fire?
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