Click to Skip Ad
Closing in...

Samsung tablet explodes on a plane, but it’s not what you think

Published Sep 29th, 2016 10:55AM EDT
Samsung Galaxy Tablet Explodes Plane
Image: Shutterstock

If you buy through a BGR link, we may earn an affiliate commission, helping support our expert product labs.

Samsung has a massive PR problem on its hands thanks to its exploding gadgets. Aside from the Galaxy Note 7, which had to be recalled weeks after launch after many batteries went up in flames, various other Samsung Android devices have been catching fire, including Galaxy S7 edge models, the Galaxy Grand and the older Galaxy Note 2. Even Samsung washing machines have had a terrible accidents recently. Now, a report says that a Samsung tablet exploded on a plane, which then had to be diverted from its destination as a result.

While all these incidents are terrible, it’s worth pointing out that they’re not related. The same problem isn’t affecting all these gadgets just because they’re made by Samsung. The Galaxy Note 7 is the only product that shipped with a massive flaw that turned each device into a potential fire hazard. All the other explosions appear to be isolated incidents.

MUST SEE: Yup, now the iPhone 7 is exploding

A Galaxy Tab exploded on a Delta flight from Detroit to Amsterdam, as seen in the following image. The flight was diverted to Manchester after smoke was discovered in the business class cabin where the tablet was found wedged in a seat.

It’s not clear at this time what made the Galaxy Tab explode, but it could be related to physical pressure. The tablet was left behind by a passenger on the previous flight and was wedged between the seats when it overheated.

The FAA is currently investigating the matter, Travel and Leisure reports. The FAA banned the use of the Galaxy Note 7 on all aircraft, but all other Samsung devices can be used on commercial flights. A similar case occurred in May on a Qantas flight from Sydney to Dallas Forth-Worth. A phone jammed between seats began smoking, but the crew put out the fire and sealed the phone in a metal box. That flight was not diverted.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.