Florida man blames Samsung Note 7 for auto explosion

Nathan Dornarcher told WVTV that he was charging his Samsung Note 7 in the center console his Jeep on Monday while unloading a desk from the trunk.

It’s the latest in a series of reactions to the Galaxy Note 7 recall that was issued last week.

The Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday strongly urged travelers not to turn on or charge Samsung Galaxy Note 7 cell phones while on planes, after a series of incidents involving exploding batteries.

A Florida family got the shock of their lives over the holiday weekend when they discovered their Jeep engulfed in flames apparently after a phone left in the auto exploded.

Nathan Dornacher posted photos to Facebook – which Fox 13 News quickly picked up – of his auto engulfed in flames after he says he left it running and went inside his house.

St. Petersburg fire crews extinguished the fire.

Dornacher documented the damage in a Facebook post that includes images of the auto covered in bright red flames as well as photos after the fire was put out, in which the vehicle looks like it was a prop from a post-apocalyptic movie set. “We are working with Mr. Dornacher to investigate his case and ensure we do everything we can for him”, the spokesperson said. “Consumer safety is Samsung’s highest priority”.

That’s one more black eye for Samsung, as airline passengers are now officially discouraged from using their shiny new Note 7 devices while flying, let alone placing them in a checked suitcase.

The statement also directs Note 7 owners to their exchange program associated with the recall.

“We are not and have not asked for anything, we are not getting a lawyer [and] we will replace [the vehicle] in time when we can afford it”, he added.

Samsung did not immediately respond to a request for comment.