Woman dies from respiratory failure after inhaling airbag dust in car accident, coroner’s inquest confirms
Kathleen Woodhouse, 64, succumbed to respiratory failure after inhaling dust from an exploding airbag during a car accident in Much Marcle, Herefordshire. The coroner’s inquest confirmed the cause, shedding light on the tragic incident that occurred while she was traveling with her husband in their Hyundai Santa Fe.
Kathleen Woodhouse, 64, died from respiratory failure after inhaling dust from an exploding airbag in a car accident, as confirmed by a coroner’s inquest. The incident occurred in October 2016 in Much Marcle, Herefordshire, while she was traveling with her husband, Richard Woodhouse, in their Hyundai Santa Fe.
Six weeks prior to the crash, Mrs. Woodhouse had a liver transplant and was recovering well. However, the collision left her severely injured, with lung inflammation resulting from inhaling fine dust released by the airbag. Though initially her respiratory issues were not linked to the airbag, subsequent medical evaluations led to the diagnosis of chemical pneumonitis from the inhalation.
Mrs. Woodhouse, who lived in Hellesdon, Norfolk, was wheelchair-bound and on oxygen until her death in April 2021. Her husband expressed intentions of pursuing legal action following the inquest findings.
