Samsung smartphone found emitting smoke

Tokyo, Oct 21 : Japan's Transport Ministry on Friday said that a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone belonging to a foreign passenger was found emitting smoke at Kansai International Airport earlier this week.

However, there were no damages or injuries, the ministry confirmed.The smartphone started to emit smoke on Tuesday, shortly after its owner tried to detach the battery at a security check point for international flights, Xinhua news agency reported.

It is believed to be the first such incident in Japan, though a series of similar incidents were reported overseas with the Galaxy Note 7.The South Korean electronics giant has halted production and sale of this specific model of smartphone which has not been sold in Japan.

Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has prohibited passengers from bringing this specific model of phones aboard airplanes since October 15.