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HTC One X is latest phone to catch fire while charging

The HTC One X is the latest phone to catch fire while charging, but fortunately the owner was unhurt.

Richard Trenholm Former Movie and TV Senior Editor
Richard Trenholm was CNET's film and TV editor, covering the big screen, small screen and streaming. A member of the Film Critic's Circle, he's covered technology and culture from London's tech scene to Europe's refugee camps to the Sundance film festival.
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Richard Trenholm

Fire! The HTC One X is the latest phone to catch fire while charging.

The One X in question belongs to a chap in Taiwan, who spotted the phone combusting and melting the case while it was on charge. Fortunately the owner was unhurt.

The cause of the incident is unknown at this stage.

This is the latest in a recent spate of mobile phones catching fire while charging. Samsung Galaxy phones have caught fire in Germany and Dubai. In separate incidents in China, a charging iPhone reportedly gave a young bride-to-be a fatal electric shock, and another left a man in a coma.

Third party chargers and batteries have been blamed as a possible cause for the incidents. As a result, Apple has launched a USB Power Adaptor Takeback Programme, replacing knock-off chargers with official power adaptors around the world for a small fee. The scheme starts today in this country, and costs £8.

To avoid similar incidents, try to stick to using the official charger that came with your phone, and try not to leave it charging longer than necessary. 

Has your phone ever blown up? What's the daftest damage you've ever done to a gadget? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page?