A Smartphone Fire Incident at a Dmitrov School During a PUBG Mobile Session
A student at school number 8 in Dmitrov, near Moscow, experienced a smartphone ignition while playing PUBG Mobile. The incident was reported by the Telegram channel Attention, Moscow and quickly drew attention from local observers. The event happened in the morning hours on September 11, 2023, according to eyewitness footage showing a student moving through a crowd toward the exit with a smoking device gripped at the edge of a book cover.
Witnesses described a moment of panic as children evacuated the building after classes had just ended. They noted that the boy had been playing PUBG Mobile, a high-energy online shooter, when the phone began to emit smoke. Attention, Moscow, reported that the incident involved a game session shortly before the device started to overheat and smolder, creating a chaotic scene for onlookers.
PUBG Mobile, released in 2018, is known for its demanding performance requirements. In many modes, up to 100 players parachute onto a large island, rapidly moving to secure and survive within a shrinking safe zone. The goal is to be the last player or team standing, a scenario that keeps players engaged through intense battles and frequent device strain from prolonged play. The incident underscores concerns about how power sources and portable electronics behave under stress in high-intensity gaming environments.
Commentary from tech observers highlights broader questions about the safety of power banks and batteries used with mobile devices during gaming. A widely read tech blogger emphasized the need for safe charging practices and the importance of using certified accessories to reduce the risk of overheating or failure during gaming sessions. These discussions consistently encourage users to monitor device temperatures, avoid charging in restricted spaces, and replace aging batteries before they present hazards. The focus remains on practical steps that players and guardians can take to minimize risk while enjoying mobile entertainment.
In the wake of the incident, authorities and school staff are likely to review device policies and safety guidelines for students. It serves as a reminder that high-performance mobile gaming can place significant demands on battery systems, especially in environments where devices are used during transitions between classes or in crowded indoor spaces. By combining careful device management with responsible gaming habits, students can reduce the chance of similar events while continuing to enjoy engaging online experiences.
As PUBG Mobile and other competitive games continue to attract young players, the conversation around device safety remains active. Monitoring battery age, using original chargers, and keeping devices within safe operating temperatures are practical measures that can help prevent overheating in the future. The incident at Dmitrov provides a real-world example of how quickly a technical mishap can cause chaos, prompting families and schools to reinforce safe technology use alongside entertainment and education.
Sources for this report include local observers and the Telegram channel Attention, Moscow, which documented the sequence of events and the immediate reactions of students and staff during and after the disruption. The broader takeaway centers on balancing immersive mobile gaming with vigilant device care and safety awareness for students participating in online gaming during school hours or on school grounds.