Savvides pledges prompt review of Cyprus faulty-airbag investigation

Nicosia, Cyprus. Attorney-general George Savvides said an extensive police investigation file concerning defective airbags in Cyprus and their importation would receive a prompt, thorough assessment. The file was handed to police on Wednesday.

Review and possible prosecutions

The submission to the legal service follows, by 15 months, an ad hoc committee report recommending criminal proceedings against three people. Savvides received the committee’s findings in July last year and subsequently forwarded them to police and the cabinet.

Savvides is now expected to examine the police material before determining whether prosecutions should proceed. He may also ask investigators to carry out additional inquiries.

Responding to suggestions that compiling and forwarding the report had taken too long, Savvides said a properly conducted police inquiry required adherence to procedures. He cited the substantial volume of evidence supplied to the legal service and said he did not consider the delay particularly lengthy. He stressed that the material needed a correct assessment and would be reviewed promptly.

Deaths and life-altering injuries

The possible charges also concern Alexandros Lougos, whose injuries from a defective airbag in 2017 permanently changed his life, and Styliani Giorgalli and Kyriakos Oxinos, both of whom died in crashes involving faulty airbags.

Takata airbag defect

The problem originates with defective airbags manufactured by Japanese company Takata. Exposure to intense heat or humidity can make the airbags prone to exploding during deployment.

Such an explosion can propel the metal inflator towards the occupant the airbag is intended to safeguard, potentially inflicting additional injuries or causing death.