A young woman was allegedly killed through electrocution while attempting to talk on an Apple iPhone, according to media reports in China.
According to a report from China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency, 23-year-old China Southern Airlines flight attendant Ma Ailun was allegedly talking on her iPhone, which was connected to a charger, when she was suddenly killed as the result of a strong electric current.
According to the report, Ma’s sister has demanded answers from Apple on the Chinese social media website Sina Weibo.
“(I) hope that Apple Inc. can give us an explanation. I also hope that all of you will refrain from using your mobile devices while charging,” the post reportedly reads.
Local police have reportedly confirmed Ma died of electrocution, although are still investigating whether, and how, her phone was involved.
Apple says it is “deeply sorry for the unfortunate accident” and has expressed its condolences to Ma’s family.
The most recent claims in China’s state-run media comes after the People’s Daily attacked Apple in April for only offering consumers in China a one-year warranty, unlike some other markets, with the company accused of “unparalleled arrogance”.
As SmartCompany reported at the time, the state media campaign prompted Apple chief executive Tim Cook to apologise publicly via a statement on Apple’s official website in China.
“We are aware that owing to insufficient external communication, some consider Apple’s attitude to be arrogant, inattentive or indifferent to consumer feedback,” Cook stated.
“We express our sincere apologies for causing consumers any misgivings or misunderstanding.
“[We have] much to learn about operating and communicating in China.”
China is now Apple’s second largest market, with revenues growing to $6.8 billion during the final quarter of 2012, despite just holding 8% of the Chinese market and the iPhone being unavailable on the nation’s largest carrier, China Mobile.
Andrew Sadauskas is a former journalist at SmartCompany and a former editor of TechCompany.
