14 DAY TRIAL // Over the years, Apple’s iPhones have been the subject of a number of stories involving electrocution deaths and explosions. All these incidents were later blamed on third-party chargers that were plugged into the phone at the time of the occurrence.
Today, we bring you another reminder that under no circumstances should you use a third-party charger on your iPhone. A 16-year-old teenager living in Rimbey, Alberta, in Canada with his family suffered third-degree burns when his iPhone caught fire while charging overnight, as Global News informs.
Last weekend, the Schultz family was awakened by the screams of their son, who was living in the basement where the fire broke. The boy’s father tried to calm the flames using water to no avail, but luckily, the teenager had the presence of mind to grab the fire extinguisher and eventually managed to prevent the fire from spreading from the bed to the entire room.
The 16-year-old suffered third-degree burns on his leg and hand, as you can see for yourselves in the gallery below, while the phone was almost reduced to its carbon form.
Beware of cheap third-party chargers
As it turns out, the phone was charging via a third-party charger that was purchased at a gas station, and it seems that this is what caused the incident. Therefore, we hope this story serves as a true warning for those who are still using cheap third-party chargers.
At some point, Apple was so concerned with them, that it offered to give an official Apple charger to those who were willing to turn in a third-party knock-off.
Rimbey’s Deputy Fire Chief also said people need to be very careful how they handle their electronic devices.
“Everything from iPads to your laptop to your iPhone, everything. Charge them on the kitchen counter. Unplug them, take them into your room then lay them on your bed or the night stand. When they’re plugged in the electricity is live right to the end of that cord,” he stated.
The Schultz say they have learned their lesson and won’t be using third-party chargers ever again. Furthermore, they will abstain from recharging their electronics at night, when everyone is asleep. Which might be the safest and wisest decision, after all.
