If you thought the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 saga had finally drawn to a close, then while that did seem to be the case, the saga has been somewhat reignited again today. This is because earlier today a report came through detailing that passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight had to be evacuated from the aircraft shortly before the plane was due to take off. If you haven’t guessed already, the reason was said to be the Galaxy Note 7.
According to the reports that came through, a Galaxy Note 7 went through the (now) usual motions of igniting, although on this occasion the smoke produced caused enough of an issue for the aircraft to be evacuated. Namely, it made its way to the cockpit. Needless to say, Samsung, among others, are concerned about this latest development and especially as there are suggestions that this was actually a replacement Galaxy Note 7. That is, one of the newer and therefore, considered safe Galaxy Note 7 smartphones. Following the initial incident Samsung was reported to have made it clear that they are looking into the matter, although they were unable at the time to confirm whether this was a new and safe Galaxy Note 7 or one of those affected by the recall. Since then, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has also now joined the conversation. In comments given to Techno Buffalo, the CPSC has confirmed that they are looking into the matter. In fact, the comments made by the CPSC’s chairman, Elliot F. Kaye, notes that the “CPSC is moving expeditiously to investigate this incident”. While further adding that “agency staff has already reached out to the FAA and Samsung to gather the facts about the incident” and also confirming that they will be in touch with the individual who is at the center of the situation, the Galaxy Note 7 owner.
For those unfamiliar with the CPSC, this is the agency who looks to ensure the safety of such products and was the agency who along with Samsung initiated the full and official recall of the Galaxy Note 7 in the US. As such, their involvement in this will certainly be swift and could be decisive if there is an issue found to be present with the newer Galaxy Note 7 smartphones. Although, as mentioned, this has yet to be confirmed for certain just yet. As are the implications of a problematic safe Galaxy Note 7.