A Samsung Galaxy Note 7 replacement unit caught fire yet again, forcing a flight evacuation. The Korean smartphone manufacturer is forced to halt Note 7 production altogether.
Southwest Airlines flight 994 from Louisville to Baltimore was forced to evacuate the plane because of the smoke coming from Samsung Galaxy Note 7. Brian Green, the owner of the phone confirmed that he picked up the replacement unit that was deemed to be safe by Samsung. The box of the phone comes with a black square symbol that indicates it as a replacement unit, The Verge reported.
The passengers and crew exited the plane via the main cabin door. No injuries were reported in the said incident. Top U.S. and Australian carriers have already suspended sales and exchanges of Galaxy Note 7 units. Major airlines on the other hand reiterated their bans on passengers carrying the smartphone.
Michael Klering from Kentucky, USA said that he woke up in a bedroom full of smoke caused by his replacement Galaxy Note 7 that has caught fire. He said that his phone was sitting unplugged on his bedroom. Other incidents include replacement units in Virginia and Texas, Engadget reported.
In response, carriers AT&T and T-Mobile both said that they are halting all sales and replacements of the Note 7 "pending further investigation." Customers who are looking to replace their phones can opt to have it exchanged for other units.
Samsung has since released an official statement saying that they are working diligently with authorities and third party experts regarding the reports. The company has likewise suspended the production of its flagship device.