Government alerts parents to two big toy recalls

<br>WASHINGTON (AP) _ Hundreds of thousands of Batman Batmobiles by Mattel are being recalled after reports that more than a dozen children have been hurt by the toys, according to the Consumer Product

Wednesday, April 14th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Hundreds of thousands of Batman Batmobiles by Mattel are being recalled after reports that more than a dozen children have been hurt by the toys, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Mattel, based in El Segundo, Calif., agreed to recall 314,000 of the blue-and-gray toy cars. The rear tail wings of the Batmobile are made of a hard plastic that rises to a sharp point and poses a hazard to young children, the safety commission said.

The CPSC, which planned an announcement Wednesday, also is recalling some 70,000 ride-on toy trucks by Tek Nek Toys International of Grapevine, Texas.

CPSC said the screw and nut assembly attaching the steering wheel to the toy can come loose, posing a potential choking hazard. The company has received a report that an 18-month-old boy died after ingesting a screw that became caught in his lungs.

According to the commission, Mattel has received 14 reports of cuts, scrapes and other injuries about the Batmobiles. Four of the injuries required medical treatment.

The Batmobiles are about 20 inches long and have a detachable motorcycle. The model number B4944 can be found on the bottom of the toy.

The cars were sold for about $30 at retail and toy stores nationwide from June 2003 to this past February.

Parents are advised to take the toys away from children and contact Mattel for free replacement wings. Consumer can reach the company at 888-271-9891 or www.service.mattel.com to order the repair kits.

The ride-on toys by Tek Nek were sold for about $30 nationwide beginning in December of 2002. They were bought under five model names: Butterfly Girl, Fire Rescue, Mermaid, Police Car and Tonka Construction Crew.

Consumers can contact the company at 888-661-0222 or www.teknektoys.com for free replacement parts.