Four Staff Members Injured in Idli Steamer Explosion at Hyderabad's Chutneys Restaurant
Four employees suffered significant injuries following a violent explosion of an idli-making steamer in the kitchen of the popular Chutneys restaurant located in LB Nagar, near the Ranga Reddy district court. The incident occurred at approximately noon on Friday, sending shockwaves through the establishment and prompting an immediate police response.
Details of the Injuries and Incident
According to official statements from the LB Nagar police, the explosion resulted in a range of injuries among the kitchen staff. Three of the employees sustained severe burn injuries, while the fourth staffer suffered a head injury after being struck by the lid of the steamer equipment as it detonated. The injured individuals have been identified as Jogeshwar (20), Daya (23), Sumit (21), and Sunil (21), all of whom are originally from Chhattisgarh. Medical reports indicate that the burns sustained by the affected staff members range from 15% to 30% of their body surface area, highlighting the severity of the accident.
Police Investigation Points to Negligence
LB Nagar sub-inspector M Mallaiah provided crucial insights into the cause of the explosion during the initial investigation. The steamer operator had reportedly turned the machine on and then left the kitchen area to visit the washroom, leaving the equipment unattended. As a result, the steamer was not turned off within the required time frame, leading to dangerous overheating that ultimately caused the explosive failure. This sequence of events has led authorities to classify the incident as a clear case of negligence.
Legal and Safety Implications
In response to the incident, the LB Nagar police have registered a formal case of negligence against those responsible for the oversight. This legal action underscores the importance of adhering to strict safety protocols in commercial kitchen environments, particularly when operating high-pressure cooking equipment like steamers. The explosion serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards present in restaurant kitchens and the critical need for proper training and supervision of staff members handling such machinery.
The management of Chutneys restaurant has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident or any subsequent safety measures being implemented. However, the local authorities are continuing their investigation to determine if any additional factors contributed to the steamer's failure and to ensure that similar accidents are prevented in the future through enhanced safety compliance and oversight.
