Two young men were injured when an Android mobile phone exploded while they were playing a game on the device in Raipur upazila of Lakshmipur district. One of the victims, Rubel Hossain, 34, sustained severe injuries to both eyes and his face. He was referred to the National Institute of Ophthalmology in Dhaka for advanced treatment.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night, 13 October, in front of the Chowdhury residence in the Charboga area of Sonapur Union. Police suspect that overheating of the phone’s battery may have caused the explosion.
According to local residents, Rubel and Shakil Ahmed, 27, were sitting together and playing a game on an Android mobile phone. The device was connected to a charger at the time. Suddenly, the phone exploded with a loud bang, injuring both men.
Hearing the noise and commotion, local people rushed to the scene and rescued the injured men. They were subsequently taken to Raipur Upazila Health Complex for medical treatment.
Rubel is the son of Kabir Hossain, a resident of Sonapur Union. Shakil is the son of Abdul Matin and lives in the same area.
An emergency department physician at Raipur Upazila Health Complex said Rubel had sustained serious injuries to his eyes and face. The explosion had caused severe damage to the internal structures of his eyes, requiring specialised medical care.
After receiving initial treatment, Rubel was referred to the National Institute of Ophthalmology in Dhaka as his condition was considered critical. Shakil, meanwhile, received primary treatment and was kept under medical observation at the local health complex.
Abdullah Al Mamun, a member of the Sonapur Union Parishad, said the accident occurred while the two men were playing a game on a phone connected to a charger. However, the exact technical cause of the explosion has not yet been established.
Raipur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nizam Uddin Bhuiyan confirmed the incident. He said police personnel were sent to the hospital and the scene after receiving information about the explosion.
According to the officer, the initial investigation suggests that the phone’s battery may have overheated, resulting in the explosion. Further investigation would be needed to determine the precise cause.
Mobile Phone Safety Concerns
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of mobile phone batteries and charging practices. Battery defects, damaged charging cables, incompatible chargers and excessive heat can all pose potential risks, although none of these factors has been confirmed as the cause in this particular case.
Safety experts generally advise users to avoid prolonged, demanding activities such as intensive gaming while a phone is charging, particularly if the device becomes unusually hot. Users should stop using a phone if it shows signs of overheating, battery swelling, smoke or a burning smell.
Using a compatible, good-quality charger and replacing damaged batteries can also help reduce potential risks. Phones should be charged on a stable, well-ventilated surface, away from materials that can trap heat.
While the circumstances surrounding the explosion in Raipur remain under investigation, the incident highlights the importance of following basic precautions when charging and using mobile devices.
