The convenience of modern smartphones is undeniable, but as a recent horrifying incident in a Brazilian supermarket reminds us, these devices can sometimes pose unexpected dangers. A woman experienced severe burns when her phone exploded in her pocket, causing panic and chaos as bystanders and her husband rushed to her aid.
The incident, which took place in Anápolis, Goiás, was captured on CCTV footage that has since gone viral. The video shows the woman casually waiting at the checkout counter when, without warning, her jeans burst into flames. The sudden explosion sent her running through the store in a frantic attempt to extinguish the fire, with her husband, Mateus Soares Lima, and others quickly coming to her assistance.
Once outside, the quick thinking of bystanders and Mateus, who removed his shirt to smother the flames, likely prevented even more severe injuries. However, the woman was still left with second- and third-degree burns on various parts of her body and had part of her hair singed in the terrifying ordeal. She was promptly taken to Alfredo Abraão Hospital for treatment.
The couple had only purchased the Motorola Moto E32 a year prior and were still making payments on it. Mateus expressed his wife’s trauma following the incident and emphasised the importance of raising awareness about the potential dangers of phone batteries overheating. ‘She is quite traumatised,’ he told G1, a Brazilian news outlet. ‘I speak more to raise awareness because many people have children and this is very dangerous.’
In response to the incident, Motorola has reached out to the victim to conduct a technical analysis of the device. The company stated, ‘Motorola informs that it has already contacted the consumer to investigate the details of the incident and arrange for a technical analysis of the device, an essential step to identify the cause of the incident.’ They also reassured that their products are designed and manufactured to high standards and undergo rigorous testing.
The exact cause of the phone explosion is still unknown, but experts caution that lithium-ion batteries, which are found in most smartphones, can overheat and combust under certain conditions. A report from Stanford University warns that exposure to excessive heat, the use of uncertified chargers, and physical battery damage can all heighten the risk of fire. To minimise these risks, consumers are advised to avoid covering devices while charging, disconnect them once fully charged, and use only manufacturer-approved accessories.
This isn’t an isolated incident. In September 2024, a teenager in Massachusetts suffered minor burns when her iPhone exploded while attached to an off-brand charger.
As the investigation into the Brazilian case continues, experts advise smartphone users to exercise greater caution when handling and charging their devices.
Have you ever experienced issues with your phone overheating or malfunctioning? What safety measures do you take when charging your device? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below—your insights might help someone stay safe.
Also read: Tips and tricks for making your smartphone’s battery last longer
That’s the whole problem we are all carrying around time bombs with lithium batteries in them.