In Nizhny Novgorod’s School No. 3, a geography lesson was interrupted when a mobile phone caught fire. The device, a POCO smartphone, began to melt near the battery compartment, sending a plume of smoke through a portion of the classroom. A video of the moment circulated on Telegram through a channel named Nizhny Novgorod, documenting the incident for viewers to scrutinize. (Source: emergency services report)
Eyewitnesses on social media suggested the blaze might have been caused by mechanical damage to the battery. A post attributed to a student spoke of a moment when the device appeared to experience a fault, hinting at a potential short circuit or related electrical issue, though specifics remained unclear. (Source: local observers via social networks)
Teachers reacted quickly to contain the fire. The school alarm sounded, and students and staff were evacuated from the building as a precaution while emergency responders arrived to secure the scene and assess risks. The response was swift, and the area was cleared to ensure everyone could be accounted for and health risks minimized. (Source: emergency services updates)
Several students later reported health effects linked to the incident, including a sharp odor and difficulty breathing due to smoke. Accounts described eye irritation on the third floor and general discomfort across the building, with others noting headaches and fatigue in the hours that followed. Such symptoms prompted inspections of ventilation and air quality to ensure the environment remained safe for those still inside. (Source: student testimonies on social media)
At the time of writing, the school administration had not issued an official comment. Officials indicated that they were reviewing the circumstances surrounding the fire and the actions taken during the evacuation and response. The investigation aimed to determine the exact cause and to confirm whether any safety protocols could be strengthened to prevent a recurrence. (Source: statements from oversight authorities)
The incident underscores ongoing concerns about the safety of personal devices used within classrooms and the importance of battery safety for widely carried electronics. While no definitive cause has been confirmed, the event has prompted discussions about how schools manage device usage, storage, and rapid ignition risks in educational settings. (Source: educational safety briefings)
In the broader context, the event serves as a reminder that routine safety procedures—such as rapid alarms, orderly evacuation routes, and prompt medical assessment for affected students—are essential components of modern school life. The situation highlights the need for clear guidance on handling personal electronics in classrooms and for continual reinforcement of safety training among staff and students alike. (Source: school safety guidelines)
As this matter continues to be reviewed, educators, parents, and students may reflect on best practices for electronics in schools and how to balance access to technology with safety imperatives. The episode offers a tangible example of how swiftly a classroom can become a site of safety testing, and it reinforces the value of preparedness in protecting the well-being of everyone present. (Source: risk management notes)