THE METAL CASING, WHICH WEIGHS ABOUT 10 POUNDS AND ENCLOSES THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IN THE DASH, BROKE FREE AND DEPLOYED WITH THE AIRBAG DURING A CRASH. AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE AIRBAG AND ITS ENCLOSURE WERE BOTH RESTING ON THE FRONT FLOOR OF THE CAR. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE INVESTIGATING POLICE OFFICER STATED THAT A PASSENGER WOULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED OR KILLED BY THIS ENCLOSURE