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Exploding Washing Machines: Samsung To Recall 2.8 Million Washing Machines Across The U.S.

By Rahul Srinivas
Published on: 07:42 PST, Nov 4, 2016

Samsung, already battered and bruised following the Galaxy Note7 fiasco, has one more product recall underway in the U.S. According to ABC News, the Korean electronics giant, along with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, have decided to issue a recall that would affect more than 2.8 million of Samsung’s top-loading washing machines. These washing machines are being recalled after consumers reported several instances of them “exploding.” Initial reports talk about more than 730 units that have exploded, resulting in nine injuries.

Elliot Kaye, the chairman of the CPSC, appeared on a recent episode of Good Morning America and termed the issue “a very serious hazard” in which the “top of these washing machines completely blow off.” According to him, the affected units have a loosely secured top which could possibly blow off causing injuries. The product recall affects 34 top loading washing machine models that Samsung makes. These machines were all sold between March 2011 to November 2016; a period spanning over five years.

The Inquisitr had previously reported about the case of 32-year-old Melissa Thaxton from Dallas, Georgia, who was among the first people who witnessed the rather unusual sight of an exploding washing machine. The incident, in which Melissa only barely escaped injury, happened in the morning on April 8, 1016. The Samsung washing machine she was using simply exploded in the midst of a wash cycle without any warning. Melissa says she was right next to the machine when it exploded.

Describing the incident, Melissa told ABC News,“It was the loudest sound. It sounded like a bomb went off in my ear. There were wires, nuts, the cover actually was laying on the floor. I just remember covering my head and leaning towards my son and just screaming this scream that I didn’t even know I could scream.”

Melissa later added that her 4-year-old son was also nearby and it was only sheer luck that the boy escaped unhurt. Following that incident, Melissa contacted Samsung, who agreed to offer her a refund. However, since she suspected this issue could be more widespread, she decided to pursue the case further and decided to speak out.

“If that would have hit my child, there is no telling — it would have been catastrophic. And that’s why I’m speaking out,” Thaxton told ABC News.

After she had spoken out, more people started coming forth with their own exploding washing machine tales. Another instance of a similar incident was reported from Holly Springs, North Carolina, where a woman, Sarah Price, saw her fairly new, 2-month-old top-loading Samsung washing machine explode. Following this second incident, a more widespread investigation launched by GMA Investigates revealed more than 21 other incidents of Samsung washing machines exploding. In another incident, a lid from the washing machine flew off and struck a woman in the back, causing her to “collide into a cabinet.”

Following these reports, Samsung issued a statement to GMA Investigates.

“Samsung is moving quickly to offer safe and easy choices to consumers impacted by the recall. Our priority is to minimize any safety risk and address the conditions that lead to the rare instance when the top of the washer unexpectedly separates from the unit. We apologize for the inconvenience this is creating to our loyal customers. We have worked closely with the CPSC to offer a consumer friendly recall that is safe, easy and complete with choices suited to the needs of anyone who may own a recalled machine. Our service teams are now scheduling visits to consumers’ homes to conduct free repairs and help resolve any concerns they may have.”

In case you own a Samsung washing machine, click on this link to check if your machine is affected by this recall. In case you are, please contact Samsung toll-free at 866-264-5636 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET.

[Featured Image by Lee Jin-man/ AP Images]

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