One killed, two injured as three smartphone explosions reported within 10 days; safety concerns rise

Fear, anger, and concern are growing in Bangladesh’s smartphone market around popular brand Vivo, as three separate smartphone explosion incidents involving Vivo and its sub-brand iQOO have been reported within just 10 days. The incidents have raised serious questions about device safety. One person has died, another university student was injured, and in a third case, a potentially major fire was narrowly avoided. Despite repeated incidents, Vivo has yet to issue a clear explanation or official statement, further increasing public frustration. Technology analysts are questioning whether these are isolated accidents or if there is a broader safety defect in some devices in circulation.

The most recent incident occurred on Wednesday (June 24) in Kushtia, where a Vivo Y12 smartphone exploded in the pocket of Amirul Islam, a student at Islamic University. He sustained injuries and required medical treatment.

Amirul said that while he was on his way to the university in the morning, the phone in his pocket suddenly became unusually hot. Within seconds, it exploded with a loud blast. “The phone suddenly heated up and exploded within seconds. I was injured and had to receive treatment,” he said.

Earlier, on June 21, another incident was reported in Tongi, Gazipur, where a Vivo Y20 smartphone exploded in a residential area. Family members said a housewife, who was resting due to illness, first noticed the device overheating. Soon after, smoke began to come out of the phone, prompting her to quickly throw it onto a balcony. Moments later, it exploded.

The woman said she was left in extreme shock and fear. “The phone suddenly became very hot and started emitting smoke. I realized a major accident could happen. If I had delayed even a little, it could have caused serious damage. I feel I narrowly escaped death,” she said.

The most severe incident took place on June 14 in Ashulia, where Mizanur Rahman (44) was sleeping after putting his iQOO smartphone on charge. At some point during the night, the phone exploded and the fire spread across the room. He was admitted to the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute with critical injuries but later died.

Doctors at the National Burn Institute said Mizanur Rahman had burns covering around 95 percent of his body.

Meanwhile, a customer at Polwel Plaza in the capital, Ariful Islam, said he had planned to buy a new Vivo smartphone but changed his decision after hearing about the incidents. “I was going to buy a Vivo phone, but after these repeated explosion reports, I changed my mind. Now I’m considering another brand,” he said.

As incidents continue to emerge one after another, affected families and tech-conscious citizens are raising questions: if multiple devices from the same brand are exploding within a short time, who is responsible? And who ensures the safety of such devices in the market?

No official statement has yet been received from Vivo Mobile Bangladesh. The company’s silence amid the growing concerns has further increased public anxiety and suspicion. The report will be updated if an official response is provided.