Apple Investigating Alleged Iphone Electrocution

(Image source: Wikimedia Commons / Joe Ravi) BY JOHN O'CONNOR Apple says it will help Chinese authorities investigate the death of a woman reportedly killed by an electric shock from her iPhone. "Apple promising a full investigation into media reports that a woman in China was killed by an electric shock from an iPhone 5 she answered while it was charging." (Via KGO-TV) According to China's state run Xinhua news agency, authorities say 23-year-old flight attendant Ma Ailun had an obvious electric injury to her neck. Shortly after Ma's death, her sister posted this to Chinese Twitter equivalent, 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 ... " According to Shanghai Daily, the family says they purchased the iPhone from an Apple store last December, and were using the original charger that came with the phone. But The Wall Street Journal reports that claim hasn't been confirmed by Chinese officials or Apple. It also notes a series of previous incidents in China that have resulted from using uncertified chargers. "The China Consumers' Association in May warned about the dangers of a 'flood' of uncertified power chargers on the market ... In the release the association warned the chargers could turn a smartphone into a 'pocket grenade' and cause explosions, electric shock, or fires in a variety of electronic devices." Fox News explains China is Apple's second largest market in the world, and this is the second time the tech giant has faced controversy in the country this year. " ... the company recently came under criticism from state media in April for alleged 'arrogance' and double standards ... Chinese consumers had to pay about $80 for new back covers for their devices, even though they were free in other markets ... " In an official statement, Apple offered its condolences to the Ma family for their loss and says it will cooperate fully with Chinese authorities to figure out exactly how this happened.