Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 26: A 25-year-old car dealer died after the airbag of a parked vehicle allegedly deployed unexpectedly and struck him on the neck in Mumbai's Mira Road area, police said.

The deceased has been identified as Mohit Soni, a resident of Tiara Hills in Mira Road (East). The incident occurred on Wednesday while he was inspecting a car parked along the roadside.

According to police, a passerby noticed Soni sitting inside the vehicle with his T-shirt soaked in blood and immediately alerted local residents, who then informed the police. Personnel from Kashimira police station rushed to the spot, pulled him out of the vehicle and shifted him to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the airbag fitted in the steering wheel deployed suddenly while the vehicle was stationary. The plastic casing covering the airbag allegedly struck Soni on the neck, causing fatal injuries.

Police have registered an accidental death report and launched an investigation into the incident. Officials said they will seek a technical report from the vehicle manufacturer to determine the exact cause of the airbag deployment.

Investigators said the car is around 15 years old but has a valid fitness certificate. Further investigation is underway to ascertain whether a mechanical defect or any other factor led to the incident.