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US auto safety officials are warning drivers and car repair shops after deadly crashes were linked to dangerous replacement air bags made in China.

On Tuesday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said at least eight drivers have died and two others were seriously injured after these air bags exploded during crashes that should have been survivable.

The warning follows two additional deaths reported in December. According to NHTSA, the faulty air bag inflators were made by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co. Ltd., also known as DTN.

Officials believe the inflators were likely imported into the United States illegally and installed as replacements after earlier crashes, Reuters reported.

NHTSA said the defective inflators ruptured during accidents and sent sharp metal pieces into drivers' bodies.

The agency explained that the fragments struck victims in the chest, neck, eyes, and face, turning a safety device into a deadly hazard.

"Sending large metal fragments into drivers' chests, necks, eyes and faces" is how the agency described the failures.

So far, NHTSA is aware of 10 crashes tied to these replacement air bags. All of the deadly incidents involved used Chevrolet Malibu or Hyundai Sonata vehicles.

However, officials stressed they cannot confirm the danger is limited to those models alone.

NHTSA Probes Deadly DTN Air Bag Inflators

The agency first opened an investigation into DTN inflators in October after eight crashes and six deaths were reported.

According to the NY Post, NHTSA now estimates about 10,000 of these inflators may be in circulation. It is working with law enforcement to find out how the parts entered the country and who may be installing them.

NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said the agency is focused on protecting families and stopping the spread of unsafe parts.

The agency has issued a special alert to auto repair shops, asking them to watch closely for these inflators and report any information immediately.

"As DTN has acknowledged on its website, the inflators are prohibited from sale in the United States," NHTSA said. "Whoever is bringing them into the country and installing them is putting American families in danger."

General Motors, Hyundai, and DTN did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

For consumers, the warning is clear. Anyone buying a used vehicle that was previously in a crash where the air bag deployed should have it checked right away.

NHTSA urges owners to make sure the replacement air bag is a legitimate part that meets US safety standards.

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