Exploding mobile outbreak perplexes Brazil

In Brief The explosion of five mobile phones in Brazil over the last two months is causing concern in the Samba-loving South American country. The incidents, all involving Motorola phones, are being linked to dodgy batteries. Both Motorola and local telecoms regulators have tasked investigators with confirming the cause of the problems.

The latest incident in Formosa, Goias state left a 34 year-old woman in need of surgery on her thighs and arms after a phone exploded in her lap while she was driving. Other accidents have been recorded in Rio and in three in towns within Sao Paulo state.

Motorola is pointing towards the use of low-quality batteries, suppled by third parties, as the probable cause of the explosions. "We are having a strong campaign to alert users not to buy accessories which are not original. It's very common for people to do this in markets or non-authorized stores," Motorola spokeswoman Samantha Simon told Reuters. ®