Samsung Galaxy Note 7 recall backlash: Causes fire on Southwest Airlines

By Johanna Vanessa Añasco / Oct 07, 2016 12:03 AM EDT
(Photo : YouTube/JerryRigEverything screenshot) A photo of a Samsung unit that has overheated.

It was last September that the Korean technology mogul has announced a mass recall for two million of its Samsung Galaxy Note 7 units. It was reported that one of those replacement units has exploded on board a plane. This has caused a fire, and the passengers and crew have to be evacuated.

The plane that caught fire was from Southwest Airlines. The flight was in Louisville, Kentucky bound for Baltimore, Maryland.

The unfortunate event happened on Oct. 5, 2016. The owner was identified to be Brian Green.

Green was interviewed by BBC. During the interview, he mentioned the device was thrown onto the floor's plane.

Samsung was asked for any comment, though they did not have given any -- disclosed that they have started an investigation. They release an official statement, "We are working with the authorities and Southwest now to recover the device and confirm the cause." 

The company further stated, "Once we have examined the device we will have more information to share." This news has taken the thunder away from its recent take over of Siri's maker.

The airlines reportedly disclosed that, "a customer reported smoke emitting from an electronic device. All customers and crew deplaned safely via the main cabin door."

The reported unit that have caused the fire, was just launched last August. The owner said through an interview from The Verge, that he bought the device last Sept. 21, 2016.

It was confirmed that his initial unit was amongst those recalled. The supposedly 'safer' replacement unit, was the one that exploded on board.

This may become a huge blow on Samsung. Safety officials from the company has confirmed the 'safety' of the fixed devices. 

Samsung stated back in September, "There have been a few reports about the battery charging levels..." The statement continued, "...and we would like to ressure everyone that the issues does not pose a safety concern."

This incident may make think current buyers otherwise. Worst, it may discourage prospect buyers of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7.

The unit's rival devices were said to be Apple's iPhone 7 Plus and Google's Pixel XL. The former was launched last month. Whereas Google had just released its 'iPhone killer' last Oct. 4, 2016, Tuesday.