An eight-year-old boy named Adityashree Kumar died late at night after his Redmi Note 5 Pro smartphone exploded at his home in Tiruvilvamala, a village in southern India. The incident was reported by Asian News and has drawn attention to the dangers that can accompany smartphone use even in familiar settings.
Forensic examination indicated that the phone was not charging at the time of the tragedy. The preliminary findings point to the battery inside the device overheating and exploding, likely triggering the fatal blast. This underscores a risk that can occur when batteries reach high temperatures, especially in conditions where portable devices are kept near or under bedding. The investigation continues as authorities seek to determine all contributing factors and to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Ashok Kumar, whose eight-year-old daughter was nearby, said the grandmother was at home with the child when the tragedy occurred. Experts note that overheating can result from even normal charging or active use when a device is placed in proximity to insulating materials like blankets, which trap heat and impede cooling. This case has raised questions about safe usage practices, particularly in households where children frequently handle mobile devices.
The grandmother reported to police that the child was lying under the covers and playing with a smartphone when the incident happened. A loud explosion startled her, and she discovered the injured child on the bed. Following the blast, investigators collected the wreckage of the phone for detailed examination to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the overheating and subsequent rupture of the battery. The authorities have described the situation as highly unusual, but it aligns with other reports where battery thermal runaway caused fires in compact devices used in domestic environments.
K. Sitnov, a former hardware expert, commented to socialbites.ca that using a smartphone with a low battery can increase the likelihood of a dangerous event. His analysis highlights the risk that occurs when lithium-ion cells are repeatedly stressed, age, or are subject to excessive heat from surroundings or obstructive coverings. This perspective resonates with broader safety advisories issued by consumer electronics researchers, who emphasize avoiding scenarios where devices are kept under blankets or pillows while charging or in use. Sitnov’s cautions serve as a reminder to keep batteries within safe operating temperatures and to monitor devices for signs of swelling, unusual warmth, or irregular behavior that might precede a failure.