1994 Mustang Air Bag deployment ignition on required?

[Mark]

The mustang was strapped down on a trailer being towed behind a van. The van came into a collision and the front of the Mustang broke free striking the rear of the towing van. The mustang had sustained a front impact and the air bag deployed. Does the ignition need to be switched on to enable the air bag deployment? The Mustang appears to have roll over damage to the drivers side.
The instructors concerns are that the collision was staged.

[mikemerolli]

Mark
Airbags will not deploy unless the ignition switch is in the "on" position. The engine does not need to be running, but the ignition switch must be on in order for bags to deploy.