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, suffered severe injuries to both eyes and his face. He was referred to a specialist hospital in Dhaka for advanced treatment, while the other injured man, Shakil Ahmed, 27, remains under medical observation after receiving initial 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 the phone’s battery may have overheated, causing the explosion. However, the exact cause has yet to be established.
According to local residents, Rubel and Shakil were sitting together and playing a game on an Android mobile phone when the incident occurred. The device was connected to a charger at the time. Suddenly, the phone exploded with a loud bang, injuring both men.
Local people rushed to help the victims and took them to Raipur Upazila Health Complex for 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.
After receiving initial treatment, Rubel was referred to the National Institute of Ophthalmology in Dhaka for specialised care, as his condition was considered critical. Shakil, meanwhile, received primary treatment and was kept under medical observation at the local health complex. Further details about the extent of his injuries were not immediately available.
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.
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 overheating of the phone’s battery may have caused the explosion. Further investigation is needed to establish the precise cause.
Mobile Phone Charging Safety
The incident has drawn attention to potential safety risks associated with mobile phone batteries and charging practices. Faulty batteries, damaged charging cables, incompatible chargers and excessive heat can increase the risk of device failure. However, none of these factors has been confirmed as the cause of the explosion in Raipur.
Users are generally advised to avoid intensive activities, such as prolonged gaming, while charging a phone, particularly if the device becomes unusually hot. If a phone overheats, charging and use should be stopped. Signs such as a swollen battery, smoke or a burning smell should not be ignored.
Using a compatible, good-quality charger and replacing damaged batteries can also help reduce potential risks.
The incident in Raipur has highlighted the importance of mobile phone safety. Authorities are yet to establish the exact circumstances that led to the explosion.
