Newsroom
The father of 19-year-old Styliani Giorgallis, who lost her life in a car accident last October, was devastated to receive a recall notice for the very vehicle in which she died—months after the crash.
In a furious social media post, the grieving father shared a screenshot of the message from the Department of Road Transport (TOM), informing him that the car was subject to a recall due to faulty Takata airbags. “Have you lost your mind?” he wrote. “On 21/10/24, you killed my baby, 19 years old, and you don’t seem to understand anything.”
The timing of the recall notice adds to the anger and frustration surrounding the case, especially as just yesterday, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades held a press conference announcing a list of vehicles required to be recalled due to the defective airbags. The Takata airbag issue has been linked to multiple deaths worldwide, with the explosive force of deployment causing fatal injuries.
Styliani’s tragic accident occurred on October 21 on the Avgorou-Frenaros road. Under circumstances still under investigation, she lost control of her car, crashing into a guardrail before coming to a stop. Authorities later identified the airbag as a likely factor in her death—finally prompting official action on the recall.
Following the backlash, the Department of Road Transport issued a statement, expressing “deep regret” that recall messages were sent to families who had already lost loved ones. They claimed the notices were issued based on data provided by companies, resulting in an “unfortunate disruption.” However, for Styliani’s father, this apology rings hollow.
“Yet another proof that we are on an ungoverned boat, drifting wherever the tide takes us,” he wrote. “Your only concern is filling your pockets.”
The incident has sparked renewed criticism of the government’s slow response to critical safety issues. Many are now questioning why it took a tragic death to prompt action—and whether other families might still be at risk.
