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Korean barbecue horror after gigantic gas ‘fireball’ erupted at table, injuring five: Here’s why restaurant faces ‘reckless conduct’ charges
- Korean BBQ restaurant operators charged after ‘fireball’ injured customers
- A butane gas canister next to the table was lit with the embers used by customers
- The 10-second blast burned five in a group; one burned on 40 percent of the body
- NT Worksafe alleges that staff were not informed about the dangers of butane gas
The operators of a restaurant where five customers were allegedly injured in a gas “fireball” have been charged with six violations of labor, health and safety laws.
On September 7, butane gas ignited under a table at the Little Miss Korea restaurant in Darwin, injuring five diners. A sixth man was uninjured.
The men had been cooking their food on a barbecue grill using charcoal. The grill was also equipped with the butane gas canister, but it was not being used at the time.
The canister was fitted with a vent, designed to release the butane to prevent an explosion if over-pressurized.
The operators of the Darwin restaurant, Little Miss Korea (pictured), have been charged after embers ignited a butane gas canister that caused a “fireball” eruption that reportedly injured five patrons.
NT WorkSafe said it would argue that the proximity of the coals to the butane gas canister caused the canister to build up pressure, activating the valve and releasing the gas.
The butane gas buildup then ignited and caused the injuries.
The labor safety authority said it would be alleged that despite clear warnings on the boat, none of Little Miss Korea’s safety briefing provided any advice or instructions to staff on the grill unit’s gas cartridge compartment or the use of butane gas canisters.
The grill unit lacked evidence that it had been certified for use in Australia.
The family partnership faces six counts of reckless conduct for failing in its primary duty of care to ensure the safety of its clients.
Five of the group of six were reportedly injured by the 10-second explosion next to the table, with one burning 40 percent of his body.
If convicted on all counts, they could face maximum combined fines of up to $18 million.
The matter is scheduled to be heard in Darwin Local Court on January 31.
At the time of the incident, one of the injured suffered burns over 40 percent of his body from what authorities described as a “violent eruption” and a “fireball.”
“It was a very fast, large burst of flame that burst out from that table and under where the charcoal stove is,” Acting Deputy Fire Chief Joshua Fisher said.
It would have lasted less than 10 seconds.