According to Brazilian media reports, the iPhone's owner emerged unscathed but flustered. The device was made in France, where in 2009 a teenager claimed to have been hit in the eye with a glass splinter when his girlfriend's iPhone began hissing -- and its glass screen exploded.
Also worth noting is that in Brazil the 8GB iPhone 4, newly introduced there, is believed to have the world's heftiest price tag for the model, with devices reportedly going for more than $900, data plan not included.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating the iPhone 4 that began emitting smoke and glowing red aboard a domestic flight there last weekend, as what exactly caused that combustion remains speculative.
Apple has so far not responded to Mashable comment requests on the Brazilian or Australian reports.
Hat tip to Brazilian Mashable reader Marcelo Magagnin.