The manager of a Gurugram restaurant was arrested after five customers were seen bleeding from their mouths. As per reports, they have been hospitalized after consuming mouth freshener provided by the restaurant, confirmed by a doctor as dry ice.
A video shared by Ankit Kumar went viral on social media, showing people screaming and crying in pain. The incident occurred at Laforestta in Sector 90, Delhi NCR’s Gurgaon, where the individuals experienced severe mouth cuts and vomiting.
In the video, a woman is seen putting ice cubes in her mouth, while another man vomits on the restaurant floor. Ankit Kumar expressed concern, stating, “We don’t know what they have mixed (in the mouth freshener). Everyone here is vomiting. They have cuts on their tongues. Their mouths are burning. Don’t know what type of acid they have given us.”
Rinsing with water also provided no relief. They claimed the mouth freshener packets contained dry ice. Gagandeep, the 30-year-old manager, was apprehended during a raid, while the owner, Amritpal Singh, is evading arrest.
The restaurant was closed when the police arrived. Gagandeep claimed negligence, stating the mishap was unintentional. The affected customers were discharged from the hospital in stable condition, though two are critical. Gurugram Police registered a case under IPC Sections 328 and 120 B. An ongoing investigation aims to identify the mouth freshener supplier and the substance composition.
What exactly is dry ice?
Dry ice, composed of solid carbon dioxide (CO2), maintains a temperature of around -78.5°C (-109.3°F). It is produced through the compression and cooling of gaseous carbon dioxide, bypassing the liquid phase, a phenomenon known as sublimation. Dry ice exhibits sublimation upon exposure to warmer temperatures, directly converting from a solid to a gas state, thereby releasing CO2. Widely utilized as a cooling agent, it finds application in preserving perishable goods during transportation, generating captivating effects in the entertainment sector, and facilitating experiments in laboratory settings due to its exceptionally low temperature.
Dry ice can be harmful to human beings if handled improperly or in poorly ventilated areas. Direct contact with dry ice can cause frostbite or burns due to its extremely low temperature of -78.5°C (-109.3°F). Additionally, as dry ice sublimates, it releases carbon dioxide gas, which can displace oxygen in poorly ventilated spaces, leading to asphyxiation in extreme cases. It’s essential to handle dry ice with caution, wear protective gloves, and ensure adequate ventilation when using it to avoid injury or adverse health effects.
Consuming dry ice can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO2) and, when ingested, it can cause severe internal injuries. As it comes into contact with moisture in the mouth or digestive tract, dry ice rapidly sublimates, releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide gas. This can lead to a dangerous buildup of gas in the digestive system, causing bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, and potentially life-threatening complications such as perforation of the stomach or intestines, or even asphyxiation due to the displacement of oxygen. Immediate medical attention is crucial if someone ingests dry ice.