The chamber of mechanical engineers in the north slammed Turkish Cypriot authorities on Thursday for failing to address the Takata airbags defect even after a fatality linked to the faulty airbag occurred over a year ago.

Speaking ahead of the House vote in the Republic on the issue, the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot chamber, Ayer Yarkiner, highlighted that the vehicle model affected by the Takata airbag defect is also in circulation in the north.

Two years ago, the chamber had issued formal warnings about the Takata airbag problem.

“One and a half years ago, a person died due to this defect. The police sought a report from us, and we detailed the issue extensively. Despite this, the government failed to take action, whether through written notices to vehicle dealers or seeking technical assistance from us. They chose to do nothing,” Yarkiner said during an online show hosted by Kibris Postasi.

He condemned the lack of mandatory inspections for second-hand vehicles, noting that such oversight is critical to address safety issues.

Yarkiner noted that the chamber offered to provide support to resolve the issue a year ago but received no response.

The ‘government’ remained a “mere spectator”, he stressed.

The mechanical engineer explained that the main defect lies in the moisture absorption of the airbag’s components.

“When the ammonium nitrate within the mechanism expands, it increases pressure, causing the steel casing to shatter. This forces the airbag mechanism to launch towards the passenger,” he said.

He pointed out that the problem has already been resolved in the government-controlled areas.

anufacturers like Takata have taken responsibility, covering replacement costs for affected vehicles such as Mazda and Honda models. In contrast, the north lacks a Mazda representative, leaving vehicles of this brand unchecked.

Yarkiner urged residents to consult mechanical engineers and check their vehicle airbags immediately. “Ask the dealership where you bought your car for a solution,” he advised.

He emphasised the broader issue of road safety in the north, where 40-45 people die in traffic accidents annually. According to statistics, fatal traffic accidents in the north are six times higher than the European average.

“From now on, serious measures must be taken, including making airbag inspections mandatory to prevent future accidents,” he added.