2009 has seen its first fatality by cell phone. The incident took place in Guangzhou, China with the exploding cell phone sending pieces of shrapnel into the victim's neck. From TimesOnline:
According to the local Chinese daily Shin Min Daily News, the accident happened on January 30 at 7.30pm. An employee at the shop told Chinese media that she heard a loud bang and saw her colleague lying on the floor of the shop in a pool of blood. The employee said the victim had recently changed the battery in his mobile phone.
Chinese authorities have yet to determine the make and model of the phone and its battery. Some reports indicated the store was a Lenovo shop, but it was thought that this might be because the shop advertised Lenovo computer products. Police were investigating whether the phone and battery were counterfeit.
A few tips on how to avoid your cell phone from exploding and severing an artery in your neck:
Written by Dignan- Always use original batteries. Be sure that batteries by the manufacturer are meant for your mobile phone.
– Never modify your phone
– Always use original battery chargers
– Do not expose your mobile phone to high temperatures, and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight
– Avoid long phone conversations
– Do not make or answer calls when the phone is charging
– Try to keep your phone in a bag instead of in a pocket
– Do not use damaged batteries
