A little known fact is that Lithium-ion batteries, which are used in most mobile and other smart devices, can catch fire upon severe impact.
They can catch fire in other circumstances as well, but the potential effects of impacts such as these are the littlest known of.
Australian Gareth Clear has sustained third degree burns after he fell whilst biking, with his iPhone in his pocket. He says the device caught fire, burning through his thigh.
He posted photos of his injury on twitter, calling on the US phone manufacturer to warn users about the dangers of exploding Lithium-ion batteries.
According to the 36 year old Sydney based management consultant, he was riding over the weekend when he unexpectedly fell down – seemingly landing on it.
“I suddenly saw this incredible plume of smoke, and there was a searing pain that went along with it – as though someone had pushed a huge block of ice against my leg.” Chase said.
“The phone was stuck to my leg having melted through both my shorts and my skins. It had to have been more than 100 degrees.”
He was admitted into hospital with third degree burns, for which he said he required skin graft surgery.
“Apple got back in contact with me saying that it looked serious and asking for more information so they could support me and replace the phone,” he added.
“Imagine if that was a young child, banging a phone against a table or someone skiing or running and the phone explodes?” he wondered.