Tragedies From Recalled Bassett Cribs Continue

 A crib that has been the subject of an intensive recall effort since 1978 was involved in two additional strangulation deaths in the past year. In August 1983, a thirteen- month-old girl in the Sacramento, California, area, died from allegedly becoming entrapped in the headboard cutout pattern of a Candlelite Crib manufactured by Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. In January, 1983, a fifteen-month-old Kansas City, Missouri, area boy died when his head and neck allegedly became entrapped in the Candlelite headboard.

The recalled cribs are: Candlelite(Pine Finish Model 5127, and Maple Finish Model 5028) and Mandalay (Yellow Finish Model 5126 or 5621, and White Finish Model 5225). The affected model numbers may be found ink-stamped near the bottom of the inside of the headboard.

The Candlelite crib, along with another model known as tie Mandalay, were the targets of an extensive recall effort by Bassett and the Consumer Product Safety Commission from 1978 through 1980 after seven infants died of strangulation allegedly as a result of the headboard design.

The cribs were made between 1974 and 1977, and about 7,400 of the cribs were sold; yet they have been associated, to date, with nine known deaths-- five with Candlelite and four with Mandalay.

As a result of the two most recent tragedies, Bassett is presently voluntarily sending another warning poster to 42,000 pediatricians across the country for display in their waiting rooms. The Commission notes that pediatrician posters are extremely effective in warning the consumers of childrens hazards.

The two deaths in 1983 follow three years of no reported entrapment incidents. It is suspected that after the wave of publicity of the 1980 recall receded, a second generation of cribs not reached by the recall have been removed from attic storage and handed down or sold second-hand.

Owners of the recalled cribs, are urged to unscrew the four corner posts immediately. Taking off the corner posts alone may not eliminate the hazard. Consumers must also contact Bassett, toll-free at l-800-368-3324 (in Virginia, call collect: 703-629-7511, extension 340), for a free modification kit. If a consumer is unsure whether his crib is a Candlelite or Mandalay, he should contact the company for clarification without delay. Further information may also be obtained by calling the CPSC toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is 800-639-8270.