On April 24, an 8-year-old girl in Thiruvilwamala, Kerala, India lost her life when her smartphone reportedly exploded in her hand. According to the initial reports, the phone in question was a Redmi Note 5 Pro, but forensic experts have clarified that it was not charging at the time of the incident. The cause of the explosion is believed to be the overheating of the device.

Preliminary findings shared by the forensic team with the local police revealed that the young girl, Adithyashree, suffered severe injuries to her face and her right-hand fingers were severed while playing a game on her phone. Her palm was also broken due to the impact of the explosion. The police are currently investigating the matter to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Overheating may have caused the explosion

Adithyashree’s grandmother, who was present at the time of the incident, reportedly told the police that the child was lying under a blanket, playing a game on her phone while the device overheated. When the grandmother went to the kitchen to get some food and returned to the room, she found the girl lying in a pool of blood after the loud explosion.

The incident has shocked the local community, and Adithyashree’s father, who is a member of the Block Panchayat, has requested a thorough investigation. The Christ New Life School, where the girl was studying in the third grade, has also expressed its condolences and grief.

Xiaomi is yet to release an official statement regarding the incident. However, reports suggest that the local police are conducting an active investigation into the matter. The forensic team has gathered debris from the scene, and a thorough examination of the device is expected to reveal more information about the accident.

Possible causes of the tragedy

While the exact cause of the explosion is still being investigated, experts have identified a few potential factors that could lead to such incidents. One possibility is the use of cheap or faulty chargers, which can cause damage to the battery and make it more susceptible to overheating. Overcharging and prolonged use of the phone can also cause it to overheat and increase the risk of an explosion.

In the wake of the incident, experts are urging smartphone users to be cautious and follow basic safety measures to avoid such accidents. These include using only original or approved chargers, avoiding overcharging, and limiting prolonged use of the phone.

The tragic incident has highlighted the need for more awareness and precautions in the use of electronic devices, especially among children. With the growing use of smartphones and other electronic gadgets, it is essential to prioritize safety and take steps to prevent such incidents in the future.