Dad ‘trapped in burning Zafira with 3-year-old girl’ sues Vauxhall for £500k
The 41-year-old claims he and his three-year-old daughter only managed to escape when a passer-by yanked the door open moments before the car exploded
A DAD is suing Vauxhall for £500,000 after claiming he and his three-year-old daughter were trapped in a burning Zafira.
Jason Williams, 41, says in court documents the model’s central locking failed as the car burst into flames.
He said he tried to smash his way out but could not.
He escaped when a passer-by yanked the jammed door open moments before the car exploded.
Vauxhall knew about Zafira B fires in 2010 and blamed dodgy repair jobs but The Sun exposed a design fault.
Jason said: “I thought I was going to watch my daughter die. There had been reports and Vauxhall could have done more.”
The Swansea trawlerman’s girl was treated for smoke inhalation.
He has hand damage.
Vauxhall disputes his claim “on very substantial grounds”.
Mr Williams’ solicitor Sandra Campbell, of Campbell & Co Solicitors, said: “In what is believed to be the first issued claim against Vauxhall concerning model B Zafira car fires the issue as to whether Vauxhall will be given permission from the court to withdraw its earlier admission of liability is to be heard at the County Court in Swansea on 16th February 2018.”
A Vauxhall spokesman said: “Through our insurers, we have paid Mr Williams’ insurers for the value of the car, as well as a sum of money to Mr Williams personally. Subsequently we received Mr Williams’ claim.
“The company examined this claim very carefully before reaching the view that it should be defended. That investigation revealed serious questions over the integrity of this claim.
“As a consequence, the claim is now being challenged on very substantial grounds. The matter is now in the hands of the Swansea County Court.
“Therefore, as a matter of policy, the company will not comment in any detail on specifics.”