Woman suffers burns after this item set on fire! Here's how you can prevent the same fate

In an increasingly digital age, our smartphones feel like extensions of ourselves.

Yet, it's easy to forget that they're also pieces of technology with the potential for malfunctions.

This nightmare became a reality for one woman during a supposedly normal day.


A Brazilian woman's phone exploded in her pocket while shopping at her local supermarket.

The incident, which took place in Anápolis, was captured on the store's CCTV.

The footage showed the woman and her husband at the checkout counter when her jeans suddenly exploded and burst into flames.


compressed-womans jeans.jpeg
The woman suffered burns on her hand, forearm, back, and buttocks. Image Credit: Facebook/New York Post


She ran through the store out of panic, her husband and bystanders rushing to her aid.

Outside the supermarket, her husband used his shirt in a desperate attempt to extinguish the fire.

According to the woman's husband, his wife's phone was a Motorola Moto E32 bought just a year ago.


The woman suffered severe burns on various parts of her body and was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment.

'She is quite traumatised. I speak more to raise awareness because many people have children, and this is very dangerous,' the husband shared in an interview.

This horrifying event was a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking within everyday devices.

Lithium-ion batteries, which power most of our smartphones, are susceptible to overheating.

In the wrong circumstances, these batteries could catch fire.

Tech experts have highlighted several factors that could increase the risk of such incidents.

These factors include excessive heat, the use of non-certified chargers, and physical damage to the batteries.


Australians have had their fair share of lithium-ion battery scares.

South Australia saw an increase in fires related to lithium-ion batteries.

Statistics saw a 650 per cent jump in fire callouts over the past five years.

Several products with lithium-ion batteries were also subject to recalls.

Anker issued a recall for its 321 Power Bank (PowerCore 5K, A1112) due to overheating risks of the lithium-ion batteries.

Soundcore, Anker's audio counterpart, also recalled its A3102 Speakers for similar reasons.


To help our readers avoid such a terrifying ordeal, here are some safety tips for handling your smartphone:
  • Use only manufacturer-approved chargers and accessories. Off-brand or counterfeit chargers may not meet safety standards and could cause overheating.
  • Avoid overcharging your phone. Disconnect it from the power source once fully charged to prevent heat buildup.
  • Keep your phone out of extreme temperatures. Do not leave it under direct sunlight or in a hot car.
  • Do not cover your phone while charging. Covering your device could trap heat and lead to overheating.
  • Inspect your phone for any physical damage. If you notice any swelling, leaks, or other signs of battery damage, stop using the device immediately.
  • Be mindful of where you carry your phone. Tight pockets or confined spaces could cause pressure on the battery and potentially lead to damage.
Motorola has since reached out to the victim to conduct a technical analysis of the device.

The phone brand emphasised that their products undergo rigorous testing to ensure consumer safety.

As technology continues to advance, consumers must stay informed about the proper care and maintenance of their devices.

By following these safety tips, you can prevent a similar incident from happening to you.
Key Takeaways

  • A woman in Brazil experienced severe burns when her phone exploded in her pocket while shopping.
  • The incident was caught on CCTV, which showed the woman's jeans catching fire at the checkout counter.
  • Experts warned of the dangers of lithium-ion batteries in smartphones overheating and advised consumers to take precautions while charging their devices.
  • Motorola, the phone's manufacturer, has reached out to the victim for a technical analysis to identify the cause of the incident.
Have you experienced any issues with your gadgets overheating or malfunctioning? Share your stories and safety tips with our community in the comments below. Let's help each other stay safe in this digital age!
 

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I would never carry my phone in my pocket .
I carry mine in my bag and hubby carries his in a phone case unless we are together then I have both phones.

I'm always telling my kids to stop carrying in their pockets and not due to fire but due to cancer. There are studys showing by carrying phones in your pocket it can cause cancer
 
I never have my phone in my pocket if driving it is in centre console if walking it is in my hand
 
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It means they have something extra to carry, with women it's OK because most have handbags (not in this case it seems) but men are more likely to carry them in their pockets.
Rubbish use common sense..although that seems to be a rare commodity these days!
 
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My husband carries his in his shirt pocket because it’s not practical to carry it while working. He also uses a very lightweight protective cover which is supposed to prevent overheating. I carry my phone in my handbag.
I have drowned two phones in the past few years by carrying a phone in my shirt pocket.

Bending over to flush the toilet then PLOP! Goodbye to a Samsung and a Motorola. It's about time phone manufacturers developed a waterproof phone!

How hard is that! We have had waterproof watches for decades and even waterproof laptops and portable speakers!
 
I never have my phone in my pocket if driving it is in centre console if walking it is in my hand
I to never have my phone in a pocket nor even while driving do I have it in the centre console. I've seen where people are stopped by the police for using their phone, but have quickly dropped their phone into the console denying that they were using it. I keep mine in my handbag with my handbag zipped up at all times, also if it rings I NEVER answer it - just let it ring out then call them back later when it's more convenient to me.
 
I to never have my phone in a pocket nor even while driving do I have it in the centre console. I've seen where people are stopped by the police for using their phone, but have quickly dropped their phone into the console denying that they were using it. I keep mine in my handbag with my handbag zipped up at all times, also if it rings I NEVER answer it - just let it ring out then call them back later when it's more convenient to me.
I have mine in a leather flip case in my handbag - when driving the bag is on the floor in front of the back seat and turned off.
 
I have drowned two phones in the past few years by carrying a phone in my shirt pocket.

Bending over to flush the toilet then PLOP! Goodbye to a Samsung and a Motorola. It's about time phone manufacturers developed a waterproof phone!

How hard is that! We have had waterproof watches for decades and even waterproof laptops and portable speakers!
I agree with you, but thankfully I haven't experienced your dilemma. ;)
 

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