Samsung's flagship Galaxy S3 smarthone, officially released today in the U.S., is suffering from serious overheating issues, according to a report.

A user in Ireland yesterday posted images of the Galaxy S3 with severe burns on the bottom of the device. A "white flame" reportedly burst from the device.

Samsung today promised to investigate the claims.

"There have been recent online posts displaying pictures of a Samsung GALAXY SIII that appears to have heat-related damage at the bottom of the device," the company said today. "Samsung is aware of this issue and will begin investigating as soon as we receive the specific product in question."

A forum poster yesterday published images on boards.ie (http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=79312161&utm_source) showing what appears to be a Galaxy S3 with burns along the bottom. According to the poster, the device was sitting in a "car mount when suddenly a white flame sparks and a bang came out of the phone." The device "burned from the inside out" and melted its case.

"We are committed to providing our customers with the safest products possible and are looking at this seriously," Samsung added.

There have been other reports of Samsung smartphones overheating or exploding. In March, a Korean schoolboy reported that a spare battery for his Galaxy S II exploded in his back pocket. Samsung said then that massive external pressure or force caused the explosion.

Samsung's Galaxy S3 has gained very good reviews and has become one of the most sought-after iPhone 4S alternatives on the market.

The device has officially launched in the U.S. and it is available online on T-Mobile's Web site and in select retail stores. AT&T, Sprint, Verizon Wireless and U.S. Cellular will have the Galaxy S III in-store and online within the next several weeks.

Samsung will suppoprt the launch of its flagship smartphone in the U.S. by the largest marketing and advertising campaign ever conducted in the country.