Police reveal alcohol fuelled the ‘fireball’ explosion at Little Miss Korea
Authorities have identified what possibly ignited a ‘violent eruption’ at a Darwin CBD restaurant that left five people with injuries in hospital. Read the suspected cause.
Northern Territory
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A CBD restaurant diner suffered burns to almost half their body as authorities reveal what may have caused a “violent” gas explosion in Austin Lane.
NT Police Superintendent James O’Brien said six men were seated at a Little Miss Korea barbecue table when alcohol was allegedly “tipped” or had “fallen” onto the charcoal cooker, causing the explosion.
“I believe that one (of the patrons) sustained 40 per cent burns to the front of their body, in terms of the other (patrons’) injuries I would have to refer to the department of health,” Superintendent O’Brien said.
NT WorkSafe investigations will determine the cause of the explosion.
NT Fire and Rescue Service acting deputy officer Joshua Fischer said the incident resulted in five of the six patrons sustaining burns to “varying degrees” to their legs and arms.
“Through the evening, it appears that there’s (allegedly) been some form of alcohol either poured or spilt into that charcoal cooker, which has then violently reacted and caused a flash of flames to occur that was then pushed outwards onto the patrons,” Mr Fischer said.
“So it was a violent eruption, it was a very quick and large outburst of flames.”
He said there was only minor damage to the inside of the premises, the majority of the damage actually caused by the deployment of the fire extinguisher.
Mr Fischer said it was a “quite rare” incident.
NT WorkSafe director of technical services Anthony Waite confirmed investigators were at the restaurant at midday on Thursday, conducting interviews and collecting evidence.
“We haven’t had any issues or accidents reported on this type of cooking before,” Mr Waite said.
“I certainly understand that there are accidents that have occurred using those butane bottles on the camp cookers, when they’re not plugged in correctly. They have been a problem in the past down south.
“But we’ve had no real reported accidents for those here in the territory or with using a barbecue.”
The popular restaurant remains boarded up after the explosion that happend about 8.10pm on Wednesday.
The explosion occurred during the regular Austin Lane Markets held on the first Wednesday of each month, with stallholders and laneway venues opening for crowds.
Nearby buildings were evacuated as multiple NT Police, Fire and Rescue, and ambulance crews arrived at the scene within minutes of the explosion.
Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce said the organisation had contacted the impacted business owners and offered support.
“We have reached out to the operators and offered our assistance to them and affected staff,” he said.
“(We are) hoping for a swift recovery of all those impacted and quick resolution of required inquiries.”
NT WorkSafe is investigating the details of how the explosion started.
A passer-by near the business on Thursday morning said it was tragic for the operators.
The man, who did not to be named, was in town from Alice Springs and had been trying to get a table at Little Miss Korea for Wednesday night.
“It’s the place you come for a feed when you are in Darwin,” he said.
“I imagine they might be closed for a while now, it’s just so terrible for them.”
Austin Lane underwent $1.8m in upgrades to enliven and open the space
The upgrades, completed by the PTM Group and funded by the NT government through the City Deal, included a road levelled with the footpath and better signage to improve safety and access as well as pedestrian infrastructure and beautification of the Austin Lane and Spain Place alleyways.
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