# BAL OTHER — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK
> **FATAL** · NHTSA complaint `2127521` · 2025-09-05 · BAL PRODUCTS GROUP
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 1
- **Injured:** 4
- **Fire:** Yes
- **Crash:** Yes
- **Police report:** Yes
- **Medical attention:** Yes
- **Vehicle towed:** No
## Vehicle
- **Make:** BAL
- **Model:** OTHER
- **Year:** —
- **Manufacturer:** BAL PRODUCTS GROUP
- **Component:** LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK
## Narrative
All newer vehicles are equipped with automatic door locking when the vehicle is in motion.   The incident I’m referring to is a fatal accident. The VW SUV swerved a hit a tree. The car burst into flames, trapping the unconscious teenagers inside.  Passersby could not get the doors opened fast enough. One teenage girl died. Three were horribly burned and one had moderate injuries.   My question is, when the airbags are deployed, why don’t the doors automatically unlock? It seems to be something automakers should concern themselves with developing.  Even seemingly minor accidents could benefit with auto unlock.   Airbags=Doors unlock.   Thank you for your time.
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*