Anรกpolis, Brazil โ February 11, 2025 โ A woman suffered first and second-degree burns after her phone exploded in her pocket during a shopping trip. Security cameras captured the moment the device ignited, forcing her to run in panic before her husband managed to remove the phone and throw it to the ground.
Experts are now warning about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries and improper phone use.
Phone Ignites Without Warning
The incident happened in Anรกpolis, Goiรกs, while the woman and her husband were shopping.
According to witnesses, the phone was in her back pocket when it suddenly exploded, releasing smoke and flames.
Nearby shoppers rushed to help, while her husband acted quickly to remove the burning device.
The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was taken to a hospital and treated for burns on her leg. She is now recovering at home.
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What Caused the Explosion?
Electrical engineer Klรฉber da Silveira Moreira explained that lithium-ion batteries store large amounts of energy, making them prone to overheating and combustion under certain conditions.
Experts point to several common causes of phone explosions:
Battery Damage: Sitting on the phone or applying pressure to it can lead to internal damage, triggering a short circuit.
Non-Original Chargers: Using cheap or counterfeit chargers can lead to voltage fluctuations, damaging the battery.
Overheating: Leaving a phone in direct sunlight or charging it in a hot environment increases the risk.
Charging While in Use: Playing games, watching videos, or using heavy applications while charging can overheat the battery.
Manufacturer Responds
Motorola, the manufacturer of the device, confirmed that it has contacted the victim to investigate the cause. The company issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to safety, noting that all its products go through rigorous testing.
“Motorola prioritizes customer safety and has initiated a technical analysis of the device to determine the cause of the incident,” the company said.
How to Prevent Phone Battery Explosions
Experts recommend the following safety measures to avoid similar incidents:
- Use original chargers and avoid third-party accessories.
- Keep phones away from extreme heat or direct sunlight.
- Avoid carrying phones in back pockets or tight spaces where pressure can be applied.
- Never charge a phone under pillows or blankets, as heat can build up.
- If a phone heats up excessively, turn it off and allow it to cool before using it again.
Other Cases of Phone Explosions
Cases of phone battery explosions have been reported worldwide, raising concerns about lithium-ion battery safety.
- 2016: Samsung recalled millions of Galaxy Note 7 devices after multiple reports of battery explosions. The company later discontinued the model.
- 2023: An iPhone exploded in a userโs pocket in India, causing severe burns. Experts later found the battery had been replaced with a non-original part.
- 2024: In Tulsa, Oklahoma, a house fire started when a family dog chewed on a phone charger, leading to an explosion.
- 2024: Passengers on Southwest Airlines Flight 3316 evacuated after a phone battery ignited, causing a seat fire.
According to a study by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), battery-related fires account for over 200 emergency incidents globally each year. Many are caused by physical damage, overheating, or faulty charging components.
A study by the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) found that lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch fire, and even explode due to a process called thermal runaway. This happens when the battery gets too hot, causing it to release flammable gases that can ignite.
Also, this is another reason for people in Brazil to praise the latest ban on phones in schools.
