Aligarh Incident: iPhone 13 Bursts in Man’s Pocket, Leaves Him Badly Burned on Thigh and Hand

Aligarh, April 24, 2025 – In a shocking incident that has sparked concern among smartphone users, a man in Aligarh suffered serious injuries after his iPhone 13 allegedly exploded in his pocket. The unexpected blast caused severe burns on his thigh and hand, leaving the victim in distress and raising questions about device safety, especially for high-end gadgets.

The incident took place on Monday afternoon when 32-year-old Sameer Khan, a local resident and government employee, was on his way home from work. According to eyewitnesses, Sameer was walking through a crowded market area when he suddenly screamed in pain and fell to the ground. His left pocket had caught fire, and smoke was seen rising from his trousers.

iPhone 13 Allegedly Explodes Without Warning

According to the victim, there were no signs of overheating or malfunction before the explosion. “I felt a sudden surge of heat in my pocket. Before I could react, the phone burst and fire erupted from my clothes. I dropped to the ground and tried to remove the device, but by then, it had already caused severe burns,” Sameer recalled while speaking from the hospital.

The burns affected a large portion of his upper thigh and extended to his left hand, which he used to pull the device out of his pocket. Passersby quickly rushed to help him, pouring water to douse the flames and calling for an ambulance. He was immediately taken to a nearby government hospital where doctors confirmed second-degree burns.

Police Launch Probe, Forensic Team Collects Evidence

Local authorities responded promptly to the emergency. Officers from the Civil Lines police station reached the scene within minutes and collected the damaged device. The phone, identified as an iPhone 13 purchased in mid-2023, was partially charred but still recognizable.

The police have sent the phone to a forensic lab for detailed analysis. “We’ve registered a preliminary report and launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion. The forensic report will help us understand whether the blast was due to a manufacturing defect, battery malfunction, or external damage,” a senior officer stated.

Victim Seeks Justice Through Consumer Court

Sameer, who has been traumatized by the incident, expressed deep dissatisfaction with Apple and its product safety standards. “We invest so much money into buying premium smartphones, expecting them to be reliable. I never imagined something like this could happen with a reputed brand like Apple,” he said.

He plans to file a formal complaint in the Consumer Forum (Consumer Court), demanding compensation for medical expenses, mental trauma, and damages caused by the faulty device. He also urged others to be cautious and monitor their phone’s battery condition, especially if the device shows signs of heating or swelling.

Safety Concerns Around Smartphone Batteries Resurface

This incident has once again highlighted the potential dangers of lithium-ion batteries used in modern smartphones. While battery-related explosions are rare, they can be extremely dangerous when they do occur. Experts believe that overheating, overcharging, faulty batteries, or even physical damage can trigger such incidents.

“In most cases, battery explosions are linked to internal short circuits or pressure buildup due to thermal runaway. It’s a serious issue, especially when a user carries the phone close to their body,” said Dr. Ramesh Sharma, a mobile technology analyst based in Delhi.

Although Apple has not yet responded to this particular case, the company has a dedicated protocol for investigating product safety concerns. In the past, several tech giants, including Apple and Samsung, have issued recalls or offered replacements when their devices posed safety hazards.

Community Reaction: Fear and Frustration

The local community in Aligarh has reacted with shock and concern. Many residents are now wary of carrying their phones in their pockets for extended periods, especially during the summer when ambient temperatures are already high.

“Just last month, there was a similar case in another city where a phone exploded while charging. Now, with this iPhone case, it feels like no device is really safe,” said Ravi Mishra, a local shopkeeper.

Social media platforms also lit up with discussions around smartphone safety. Several users posted similar concerns, while others shared tips on how to avoid overheating or battery-related issues.

What Users Can Do to Stay Safe

In light of this incident, experts are urging users to take extra precautions with their smartphones:

• Avoid overcharging: Do not leave phones plugged in overnight.
• Use original chargers: Third-party accessories can be incompatible or unsafe.
• Keep your phone away from heat: Do not expose devices to direct sunlight for long durations.
• Don’t ignore battery swelling or overheating: If a device feels unusually hot, stop using it immediately.
• Avoid placing phones in tight pockets: Especially in hot weather, as this increases the chance of heat buildup.

Apple Yet to Issue a Statement

As of now, Apple India has not made any official comment on the Aligarh incident. Consumers and tech experts alike are waiting for the forensic report and Apple’s response, which will likely determine the next steps, including potential recalls or compensation.

Until then, Sameer’s case remains a chilling reminder that even the most trusted brands are not immune to faults. As smartphone usage becomes more integral to our lives, the demand for stronger safety standards and quicker responses to user complaints becomes even more crucial.