Woman ‘killed’ by iphone

LOS ANGELES: Apple says it will investigate claims that an iPhone may have electrocuted and killed a 23- year- old woman in western China, only months after the company’s warranty policies attracted the ire of Chinese media and regulatory groups.

China’s Xinhua News Agency reported last weekend that Ma Ailun, a former flight attendant, died after answering a call on a charging iPhone. The report and the social-media postings of Ma’s relatives, quickly went viral in China, the second-largest market for Apple iPhones. A local investigator told the Wall Street Journal the woman suffered “an obvious electronic injury”.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of this tragic incident and offer our condolences to the Ma family,” Apple said. “We will fully investigate and co-operate with authorities in this matter.”

The company declined to elaborate on the incident or what may have caused it. It is unclear whether the phone was to blame. China’s consumer safety agency has warned of an electrocution risk from unregulated cellphone chargers, which are common in China.

But on China’s Sina Weibo, family members had other theories: “I hope that all of you will refrain from using your mobile devices while charging,” read one post attributed to Ma’s older sister.

The incident is the latest setback for Apple’s China operations, which have faced several controversies. – Washington Post