The driver was killed due to burn injuries and his passenger was extensively and severely burned when the automobile in which they were riding burst into flames upon being struck in the rear by another vehicle.
Suit was brought against the manufacturer on negligence, breach of warranty and strict liability claims, based on the structural weakness, inadequate protection and imprudent placement of the gas tank, all of which contributed to the easy ignition, rapid spread and intensity of the fire in the foreseeable circumstances of a rear-end collision.[36]