His family are urging others to take caution with their mobile devices
Galway Fire and Rescue stock image
A Galway man was hospitalised and left with significant burns after his phone burst into flames.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The family of the man who was injured are now warning others to be cautious while charging their own phones overnight.
The phone ignited during the night, melted and fused to his shoulder and back causing serious burns.
His brother smelled smoke and shouted “You’re on fire!”
Thankfully he is okay, but he faces ongoing treatment, daily dressings and assessment by a specialist.
His family said: “We’re sharing this because we had heard the warnings before, but never imagined it could happen to us.”
Firefighters from Loughrea Fire & Rescue said the incident could have “ended so much worse”.
Posting on social media, they warned people of the dangers of charging your phone overnight.
They said: ‘Never leave your phone plugged in overnight while you sleep as it will overheat and can go on fire.
“Switch off sockets and unplug chargers when not in use. It can happen to you.
“Thankfully this young man will be ok and we wish him well in his road of recovery ahead.”
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