EU Looking at Reports of Exploding iPhones and iPods

The European Commission is investigating reports of exploding iPhones and iPods, with three recent cases adding to concerns. A French teen was reportedly injured by his girlfriend's exploding iPhone. Several car fires have been blamed on the popular devices from Apple, Inc. Apple said it's waiting to receive the units from customers. The European Commission is looking into reports of overheated Apple iPhones and iPods causing damages. It has asked Apple to provide information on possible dangers from its popular products.
Three recent cases have come to the EC's attention from the 27 countries in the European Union. Two are from France and one is from the United Kingdom. Earlier reports of combustion have come from the Netherlands and Sweden.
"At the end of last week, we asked Apple and the member states where the incidents occurred to provide us with information on the matter," said European Commission spokesperson Ton Van Lierop.
The French daily Les Echols reported a French teen was injured when his girlfriend's iPhone shattered after it began to "crackle and pop like a deep fryer." Pieces of the screen reportedly hit Romain Kolega in the eye.
A similar report involved an iPod in Marseilles, and in the U.K. an overheated iPod touch reportedly jumped into the air and exploded. In addition, a Dutch iPhone owner reported that his device caught fire and damaged his car. An iPod also reportedly caused another car fire in Sweden.
While the EU investigates dangerous products, only the member states can order recalls. Apple said it will investigate.
"We are aware of these reports and we are waiting to receive the units from the customers. Until we have the full details, we don't have anything further to add," Apple said.
In January, Japan ordered Apple to investigate reports of sparks and fires from iPod nanos. In June, Apple recalled first-generation iPod nanos in South Korea after problems with the batteries.