The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 imbroglio took a new turn as the devices — which have been reported to, in isolated incidences, catch fire — have now been banned from flights in the United States as of this past weekend.
The smartphones’ production has been discontinued by the Korean electronics giant, but the U.S. Transportation Department now has decreed that the devices cannot be brought on board flights or checked into baggage.
Reuters reported that the agency said: “Even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk.” In addition, violations of that ban may lead to fines or criminal action. The department also said that passengers attempting to bring the devices onto a flight would be denied boarding.
Thus far, Samsung said it has received nearly 100 reports of batteries overheating in the U.S. alone.
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