Apple is investigating the death of a Chinese woman who was killed by
an electric shock while answering a call on her iPhone 5.
On Thursday, 23-year-old Ma Ailun, a flight attendant with China
Southern Airlines, was electrocuted when she took a call on her Apple
device while it was charging, according to Xinhua News.
Apple did not immediately respond to PCMag's request for comment, but
provided a statement to Xinhua: "We are deeply saddened to learn of
this tragic incident and offer our condolences to the [Ma] family. We
will fully investigate and cooperate with authorities in this matter."
The situation was recounted on China's micro-blogging service Sina
Weibo by a woman claiming to be Ma's older sister. She said the
23-year-old was planning her Aug. 8 wedding, and fell to the floor
when she took a call on her Apple smartphone. Ma Ailun bought her
iPhone 5 in December at an official Apple Store, and was reportedly
using the original charger when the incident occurred.
"[I] hope that Apple Inc. can give us an explanation," her older
sister wrote. "I also hope that all of you will refrain from using
your mobile devices while charging."
Local police are conducting a probe into the alleged electrocution.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the woman's phone
and its accessories have been handed over to investigators.
Experts noted the risk in using any electrical device while it is
being charged, including a razor or a phone, Hong Kong University of
Science and Technology professor Johnny Sin Kin-on told the SCMP.
The iPhone 5 launched in China three months after being released in
the U.S., and topped 2 million sales in its first weekend. Despite its
popularity in the country, Apple in April apologized to its Chinese
customers for misunderstandings regarding its repair and warranty
policy.
Apple rival Samsung, meanwhile, got burned last week when a Galaxy S
III allegedly exploded in a woman's pocket, setting fire to her pants
and leaving third-degree burns on her thigh.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Apple Probing Electrocution Death of Chinese iPhone User
Posted on 9:49 AM by Unknown
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