Coronial inquiry call to investigate washing machine blazes
TWO Sydney mothers are pushing for a state coronial inquiry into Samsung's execution of a massive recall of washing machines that have sparked house fires across the country.
Fire and Rescue NSW said it was considering whether to refer a request by affected customers Tarnya Allen and Di Fisher to the NSW Coroner to investigate Samsung washing machine-sparked blazes.
It can use powers under the Fire Brigades Act to trigger a state coronial inquiry - whether or not someone has died.
It has responded to 49 fires in the past 3.5 years, some of which were caused by repaired units with the controversial plastic bag-and-tape fix that an expert slammed as "deficient".
"Our fire investigators are currently reviewing Samsung-related incidents for those which may be suitable for investigation by the Coroner. A referral has not as yet been made," said assistant commissioner Mark Whybro.
