In the 1970's Ford designed the Pinto to compete with the many foreign compact models that were flooding the market. They rushed production and produced the Pinto. It was flawed from the start. The gas tank was placed too close to the rear-bumper which resulted in the car frequently bursting into flames when rear-ended. This negligence would result in hundreds being injured and even some deaths. Public outrage ensued when it was revealed Ford could have fixed this defect for about $11 per vehicle. In Elkhart, Indiana, three teenage girls were killed in 1977 when their Ford Pinto was rear-ended and burst into flames. The three girls tragically burned to death. This resulted in Ford becoming the first corporation in American history to be charged with murder.