Samsung could face a coronial inquiry after the electronics company was forced to recall tens of thousands of washing machines when the device was found to have burst into flames.
More than 144,000 top loading washing machines from six models have been recalled in Australia after the appliance sparked up to 92 house fires since November 2012, fire authorities have claimed.
Under the Fire Brigades Act, Fire and Rescue NSW (New South Wales) have the right to appeal for a state coronial inquiry to investigation the cause of the blazes – whether someone has died or not.
Assistant Commissioner Mark Whybro said fire authorities are currently reviewing Samsung-related incidents for those which may be suitable for investigation by the NSW Coroner.
‘Fire and Rescue NSW is concerned about the number of fires and is considering whether it will refer a request to the State Coroner to hold an inquiry into fires involving Samsung washing machines,’ Mr Whybro told Daily Mail Australia.
‘A referral has not as yet been made.
‘Meantime, close collaboration and information sharing continues between FRNSW and Fair Trading NSW, the responsible government agency for product safety.’
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Samsung for comment.
This comes as consumer advocacy group CHOICE raises concerns over reports the company will have to physically check around 32,000 ‘repaired’ top loader washing machines.
‘Not only have Samsung refused to alert consumers to the risk their products present through television advertising, this news confirms it has also presided over a questionable nationwide repair process,’ CHOICE’s Head of Media Tom Godfrey said.
‘Given Samsung has known about problems with the repair process for at least a year, we need Samsung to come clean and explain what ‘mistakes’ have led to 32,000 repaired machines needing to be physically reassessed.
‘We believe Samsung should cease reworking faulty machines until an independent and transparent review of the rework solution is undertaken.
We have reported on this before and, so far as we aware, this recall does not affect an Samsung washing machines in the UK.
