Marseille: A Teenager Dies after Getting out of his Bath, Electrocuted While Charging his Mobile Phone

ACCIDENT: A 16-year-old boy died of electrocution in Marseille after using his mobile phone while he was getting out of the bath

A 16-year-old boy died Wednesday evening in Marseilles, electrocuted to death. The events took place at the family home in the Merlan district (14th arrondissement), indicates Provence. According to the regional daily, the victim was found next to his mobile phone which was charging in the bathroom. he was apparently coming out of her bath.

The mother who discovered her son’s body tried to give him cardiac massage, following the recommendations given to her by telephone by the firefighters while waiting for help to arrive. In vain. The victim showed signs of burns on his wrist and torso.

Between 30 to 40 deaths each year from electrocution

In 2023, the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) had “alerted consumers to the risks associated with the use of mobile phones while charging in bathrooms”, following several deaths. And “more broadly any electrical device connected to the sector”.

According to the National Electrical Safety Observatory, between 30 to 40 deaths occur each year by electrocution in France and around 3,000 electrifications (electric shock without fatal consequences). However, not all of these electrocutions are caused by cell phones.

The DGCCRF reminds that it is recommended to charge your electrical or electronic devices outside of damp rooms. But also not to use an electrical appliance connected to the mains in the bathtub or shower, including a waterproof and water-resistant telephone. And finally not to handle a connected electrical device with wet hands or feet, or with your feet in the water.