Earlier this month, a hoverboard exploded in a house in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, causing a fire that killed a three-year-old girl and critically injured two other children.
The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has investigated 60 fires caused by hoverboards, but this is the first to result in death.
The hoverboard was plugged into an outlet on the first floor of the three-story Pennsylvania home. Residents told the Harrisburg fire chief they heard sizzling before the device exploded and started a fire in the home.
The deceased’s father and a teenager were treated for smoke inhalation, but have been released from the hospital.
Dangers Of Hoverboards
In 2015, hoverboards were one of the hottest gifts of the holiday season. However, since their release, these defective products have been linked to dozens of fires and have even caused two houses to burn down.
Most hoverboards are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion cells. These batteries contain a potentially flammable solution that can cause an explosion if the battery is defective or becomes damaged.
Producers have had issues with manufacturers cutting corners and using cheaper batteries that are more prone to defects.
Last year, the CPSC warned against using hoverboards made by certain manufacturers, including:
- Digital Gadgets LLC
- Hoverboard LLC
- Hype Wireless
- Keenford Ltd.
- PTX Performance Products USA
- Razor USA LLC
- Swagway LLC
- Yuka Clothing
More than half a million hoverboards were recalled in July and airlines have banned the devices due to the risk of a fire.
Have you been injured in a hoverboard fire?
You may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer for producing a dangerous product and failing to adequately warn you about the dangers.
O’Connor, Acciani & Levy‘s experienced product liability lawyers can review your claim for free to determine if you have a case. If you do, we can thoroughly investigate your accident to determine who should be held liable and how much compensation you deserve.