Operators of Little Miss Korea charged after explosion that burnt five diners
The operators of a popular Darwin restaurant have been charged with a slew of health and safety breaches after a September explosion that left five people with burns. Find out the alleged cause here.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The operators of a popular Darwin restaurant have been charged after a gas explosion in September left a number of patrons in hospital with serious burns.
NT WorkSafe has charged the family partnership operating Little Miss Korea, CJ Lee and DJ Lee, with six breaches of the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 over the explosion.
Just after 8pm on Wednesday, September 7, a group of six men was cooking their meal on a barbecue appliance inserted into the table, which can use charcoal or butane as a fuel source, when the explosion occurred.
One of the patrons suffered burns to 40 per cent of his body, while the others also sustained burns and were admitted to hospital.
Police initially believed the explosion had been caused by alcohol being “tipped” or falling onto the barbecue table.
However, after months of investigations, NT WorkSafe will allege the close proximity of hot coals to the butane gas canister triggered the blast.
In a statement on Thursday, it said the proximity of the coals caused the canister to “overpressure” and release butane gas.
NT WorkSafe allege the built-up gas then ignited.
NT WorkSafe will allege that despite “clear warning signs” on the canister, none of the restaurant’s safety information, standard operating procedures, risk assessment or work health and safety policies provided any safety advice or instructions to staff on the gas cartridge compartment of the barbecue or the use of butane gas canisters.
The partnership faces six reckless conduct counts under section 31 of the Act for “failing to comply with their primary duty of care to ensure the safety of their patrons”.
If found guilty, the partnership faces a maximum combined penalty of $18m.
NT WorkSafe said a further six charges under section 32 of the Act.
The matter has been listed for January 31 in Darwin Local Court.
More Coverage
Originally published as Operators of Little Miss Korea charged after explosion that burnt five diners
Exposed: Teen hoon had 85 ‘occurrences’ with police before allegedly ramming cop car
The NT News can reveal the amount of ‘occurrences’ a group of youth offenders had with police before they allegedly rammed into them with stolen cars in Alice Springs. Find out more.
A watchful eye: How Border Force is combating drug cartels in Northern Australia
As drug cartels become craftier, the challenge to protect the nation becomes more difficult. See how Border Force officers operate in the Top End at sea and on land.
East Arnhem CEO holds grave fears new Groote council will be a puppet
The CEO of East Arnhem Regional Council, which will hand over the Groote Archipelago to a newly created council later this year, fears government underfunding will lead the new body into the arms of a controversial land council.
Brutal killings and mysteries: Crimes that shocked the Red Centre
From gruesome deaths, suicide missions and a missing body, here’s a look at the crimes that rocked the Red Centre and fascinated the world for all the wrong reasons.
‘See some records broken’: First medals given out as ‘Games with Heart’ kicks off
One of the biggest weeks on the Red Centre sporting calendar is underway in full force, drawing thousands of competitors – some of whom have already taken out the top prize. SEE THE PICTURES.
Fire fears as heritage-listed mural sits forgotten after $3m acquisition
A fire danger period being declared hasn’t spurred the government into action over a site it acquired for more than $3 million – leading to fears an important piece of NT heritage could be reduced to ash.