Families of victims of faulty Takata airbags have criticised the Transport Ministry for failing to take meaningful action, despite repeated warnings and several tragic deaths.
“We have been shouting about this for years, and the only thing we’ve seen is a Ministry decree that solved nothing. Thousands of cars with Takata airbags are still on the roads. Thousands of citizens are potential future victims,” said Maria Loui Oxinou, whose son Kyriakos died in January 2023 in a car accident caused by a defective airbag. She also referred to the recent death of a child in the north, under the same extreme heat conditions that trigger airbag explosions. “Everyone knew, looked the other way, and continues to whistle away indifferently,” she added.
Families, including the parents of Styliani Yiorgalli, who died in November 2024, and Alexandros, who survived a crash in 2017 involving a vehicle equipped with a Takata airbag, attended yesterday’s session before the House Human Rights Committee.
'They knew since 2008'
The discussion focused on legislation intended to protect victims and support their families. Relatives expressed frustration that five months after the publication of a report, neither they nor MPs know the current status of official investigations.
“They knew the risk at least since 2008, after two incidents. In 2013, RAPEX reports reached the Transport Ministry. In 2015 and 2016, citizens sent letters. In 2017, an official circular was issued, and soon after, Alexandros was injured. A report warned about Takata airbags. Did they still not understand this was a ticking time bomb?” said Maria Loui.
She also revealed that the only official communication they received was eight years after Alexandros’ accident. “If we are not compensated, we will consider taking the case to the European Court of Human Rights. We are counting on the Legal Service and the Police,” she added.
'My daughter died because of irresponsibility'
Styliani’s father, Giannos Yiorgallis, was particularly critical of Transport Minister Alexis Vafeadis.
“For five months, we received no information. I lost my daughter, a 19-year-old full of life and dreams, because of negligence. The Minister knew about the airbags from Kyriakos’ father a month after taking office in April 2023. He was told to act, but did nothing. If even half of what he claimed publicly after Kyriakos’ death had been implemented, Styliani would still be alive. He did absolutely nothing. I wonder why he is still in office,” said Mr Yiorgallis.
'If they can’t speak to the dead…'
Survivor Alexandros Lougkou, who has undergone 24 surgeries, spoke of his ongoing struggle.
“I was lucky in my misfortune to survive after eight years of fighting. Since those responsible cannot speak with the dead, they should speak to me. See my scars, my psychological state… See what it means to fail to do your job, to hide the truth, to serve other interests. I am fortunate to be alive, but unfortunate that no one has the courage to face me and provide proper information,” he said.
Families and survivors insist that the only meaningful updates from the Ministry of Transport and road transport department came only after the deaths of Kyriakos and Styliani.