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Lawyer: Family Of Pregnant Woman Killed In Jeep Explosion To Sue Chrysler

DETROIT (WWJ) - The family of a 23-year-old Ferndale woman who was killed last week in a fiery crash on the Lodge Freeway is suing Chrysler over her recalled vehicle.

Kayla White's car burst into flames when she was struck from behind by what police believe was a distracted driver during the busy afternoon commute.  She was eight months pregnant.

The family's attorney Gerald Thurswell says White's vehicle, a 2003 Jeep Liberty, was under a recall by Chrysler.

"They have known for quite some time that the car was defective and a rear-end collision could result in an explosion, the car catching on fire and people dying," Thurswell told WWJ's Sandra McNeil. "They have known that for a long time for the Jeep Liberty which Kayla was driving on the day of the accident."

Thurswell said the fix is to add a trailer hitch to the bumper, but when White took her Jeep in she was told the part wasn't available.

Chrysler denies there aren't enough hitches, but officials said it would be inappropriate to comment while police investigate the crash. The automaker offered its deepest sympathies to the family.

Meantime, an ongoing investigation by Michigan State Police is expected to take weeks.

The Oakland County prosecutor are reviewing the case for possible criminal charges against the driver of the Cadillac which struck White's vehicle — a 69-year-old Beverly Hills man.

MORE: Shocked Family, Friends Seek Answers After Pregnant Woman Dies In Freeway Explosion

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