U.S.: 52 Deaths Reportedly Tied to Toyota

(CBS/AP)  The government says it has received complaints of 52 deaths connected to reports of sudden acceleration in Toyota vehicles since 2000.

The Transportation Department released an updated number of deaths before a Senate hearing Tuesday on the massive recall.

The government had previously reported receiving allegations of 34 deaths because of sudden acceleration in Toyotas during the past decade. The latest data is through the end of February.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and three Toyota executives are expected to testify before the Senate panel, the third congressional hearing in a week on Toyota's recall of 8.5 million vehicles.

More on Toyota's troubles:

Senate Committee Members' Toyota Links
NYT: Troubles Predate Recalled Toyotas
Poll: 49% Say Toyota Hiding Something
More Toyotas Need Oil Hose Fix
Toyota New Car Sales Up Amid Recalls
Toyota Seized after "Near Death" Claim
Toyota Accused of Hiding Design Evidence
Toyota Woes Highlight Hi-Tech Car Pitfalls
Auto Industry Insider on Electronics Challenges

[templescroll]

...and only in America can a big name car maker get away w/ 52 counts of homicide. Just to be fair lets say 1/2 that 26...deaths. Death by numbers doesn't make a lesser charge.

[CincyJazzy]

These are NOT PROVEN.... ANYONE could call up now and make that claim.
Only in America.

[likeitbe]

42,000 die in US traffic accidents every year.... that's 400,000 since 2000! whats the deal with these 52?

[edward1975-2009]

I can already see the lawyers lining up for this debacle.