A seemingly harmless dinner at a Gurugram restaurant on Saturday night took a concerning turn for five diners who were mistakenly served dry ice as a mouth freshener. This incident highlights the potential dangers of dry ice, a substance often encountered in various settings, and the importance of proper handling and awareness.
What Happened?
On March 2nd, 2024, a group of five friends were dining at Laforessta cafe in Sector 90, Gurugram, when, after finishing their meal, they were offered a mouth freshener by a waiter. Upon consuming the substance, all five individuals experienced a burning sensation in their mouths and subsequently started throwing up blood.
One member of the group, Ankit Kumar, who did not consume the mouth freshener, was able to call the police and arrange for an ambulance to transport his friends to the hospital. According to Ankit, the doctor at the hospital identified the substance as dry ice and advised him to hand it over due to its potential to be fatal.
Police Investigation and Restaurant Response
The Gurugram police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the waiter responsible for serving the substance under sections of causing hurt by poison and criminal conspiracy. The sample of the substance has been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for confirmation, but initial investigations strongly suggest it was dry ice mistaken for a mouth freshener.
As of March 5th, 2024, three of the five diners remain hospitalized, although their condition is reportedly improving. The restaurant’s manager, Gagan, has acknowledged the staff’s negligence and confirmed that the police are taking action against the involved employee.
Understanding Dry Ice
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2). It has a temperature of -78.5 degrees Celsius (-109.3 degrees Fahrenheit) and sublimates (transitions directly from solid to gas) at atmospheric pressure. While commonly used as a refrigerant in various applications, including food preservation and medical purposes, dry ice can be hazardous if not handled properly.
Dangers of Improper Handling
- Skin contact: Direct contact with dry ice can cause frostbite, similar to a burn from extreme cold.
- Ingestion: If ingested, dry ice can cause internal injuries due to its extremely low temperature. The rapid sublimation of dry ice in the stomach can also lead to rupture and internal bleeding.
- Inhalation: Inhaling large amounts of carbon dioxide gas released from dry ice in confined spaces can lead to asphyxiation.
Importance of Safe Handling and Awareness
The Gurugram incident underscores the crucial need for proper handling and awareness regarding dry ice. Here are some key points to remember:
- Always wear gloves designed for very cold temperatures when handling dry ice.
- Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling concentrated carbon dioxide gas.
- Never ingest dry ice under any circumstances.
- Store dry ice in a properly labeled and sealed container away from heat sources and out of reach of children and pets.
The unfortunate incident at the Gurugram restaurant serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with dry ice if not handled with proper care and knowledge. It is crucial for individuals and establishments that handle dry ice to be fully aware of the associated risks and implement appropriate safety measures to prevent such incidents from occurring. Additionally, raising public awareness about the dangers of dry ice can help prevent accidental misuse and potential harm.
