Samsung phone explodes mid air, fire extinguisher fails

While the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 and S8 devices managed to overshadow the memories of the blasting Samsung Galaxy Note 7, the most recent incident in India could bring back those memories. 

A Samsung smartphone of a passenger on the Delhi-Indore flight caught fire mid-air. This didn't just panic the passengers onboard, but the flame didn't go off immediately as the airplane's fire extinguisher reportedly malfunctioned. Finally, it had to be put in water. 

The passenger named Arpita Dhal, according to The Hindustan Times, had kept the device in her bag under the seat. She alerted the crew as soon as she saw smoke coming out of her bag.

She later said that the lack of extinguisher is a security lapse and she would be lodging a complaint against the airline. Unlike on land, there are limitations at handling such incidents when mid-air. Such an incident doesn't just cause panic, but also puts the lives of all the passengers and crew onboard at risk. 

The phone has been taken away for investigation and will be returned after the cause of burning is known. The matter has been referred to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. If you remember, last year, the Director General of Civil Aviation or DGCA had issued an advisory prohibiting the use of the infamous Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on-board an aircraft.

Meanwhile, according to Times of India, Jet Airways has released a statement that reads, "The Jet Airways crew (took) all necessary precautionary measures as per the prescribed guidelines. The mobile device was taken into custody for further investigations. There was no injury to guests or crew or (damage to) any part of the cabin. The aircraft landing was safe and uneventful."

It was just recently that we heard how a Samsung device burst into flames in a man's pocket. However, it is believed that the man was not using an approved battery. So, it reportedly wasn't Samsung's fault.

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