Phone catches fire in man's pants after he falls during badminton game in Hubei

A man in China suffered severe second-degree burns after his smartphone burst into flames inside his trouser pocket during a game of badminton. 

The incident occurred at a gymnasium in Hubei at around 3pm on Oct 11, reported Sing Tao Daily. 

In CCTV footage shared on X on Saturday (Oct 17), he can be seen falling backwards while appearing to chase a shuttle, before flames abruptly erupt from his pocket.

The flames quickly intensify, setting his trousers alight and prompting him to run in panic while trying to remove the burning clothing.

Two women can also be seen approaching him before retreating as the flames spread. 

The smartphone was bought only two months before the incident, according to Phenix New Media. 

He was subsequently hospitalised with severe second-degree burns, though it remains unclear whether the fire was caused by a fault in the phone's battery or another internal component.

A man’s phone burst into flames in his trouser pocket after he fell while playing badminton in Hubei, China. He is being treated in hospital for second-degree burns. https://t.co/5VN3b6GjVL

— Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) October 17, 2026

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xingying.koh@asiaone.com