1998 Mazda MPV Steering problems

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mazda mpv wagon. When attempting to start the vehicle, the contact heard a loud noise. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that they could not duplicate the failure or provide a remedy. Several months later, while the vehicle was idling, smoke appeared from the steering column. The vehicle was completely destroyed by the flames. The contact is in the process of retrieving a report from the fire department. The cause of the failure has not been identified. The failure and current mileages were 113,000.

(1) It was raining. I was on the highway traveling at highway speed at as the highway turned slightly. (2) When I turned the wheel there was a delay for the wheels to respond. Consequently, I lost control of the vehicle. After a few seconds the wheel turned, then I turned the wheel in the opposite direction and the same thing happened. This happened about 5 times. As I slowed down to below minimum highway speed, I finally gained control of the vehicle. (3) I am afraid to drive the vehicle & have done nothing so far except to call mazda, as I could have been killed.