Little Miss Korea owners fight NT WorkSafe charges over gas explosion

The owners of a Darwin CBD restaurant are fighting charges that could have them fined up to $18m, after the September explosion that sent five diners to hospital.

The operators of a popular Darwin restaurant are fighting charges after a gas explosion at their venue sent five men to hospital with burns in September last year.

Dianne Jayne Lee and Chung Jae Lee, the owners of Little Miss Korea, have been charged by NT WorkSafe with six breaches of the Work Health and Safety Act, including reckless conduct risking death or injury, and failure to comply with health and safety duties.

Counsel for the Lees advised at a mention hearing in Darwin Local Court on Tuesday morning they would be contesting the charges.

If found guilty, the Lees could face a maximum combined penalty of $18m.

WorkSafe NT allege the butane canister was heated by the barbecue coals, leading to a build up of gas under the table. Picture: Supplied.

On September 7 last year, six diners at the Korean barbecue restaurant were burnt after butane gas ignited under the table where they were sitting.

Five of them needed emergency treatment at Royal Darwin Hospital, while one patron escaped injury.

An NT WorkSafe investigation found the patrons were cooking on a barbecue grill with the gas canister attached.

It will be alleged the canister was heated by the hot coals, causing a pressure valve to release butane under the table and leading to the explosion.

NT WorkSafe will also allege that despite clear warning signs on the butane gas canister, none of Little Miss Korea’s safety information provided any advice or instruction to staff on the gas cartridge compartment of the barbecue grill or use of butane gas canisters.

Further, they will say the barbecue grill unit lacked evidence it had been certified for use in Australia.

A directions hearing for the case has been set for April 3.