The holiday season is usually a time for fun, laughter, and delicious food. But a recent corporate party in Moscow showed how dangerous things can go wrong. A man is now fighting for his life after drinking a cocktail with liquid nitrogen. What was meant to be a fun and exciting drink became very dangerous for his body.
The Terrifying Incident at ‘Game of Tables’
The accident happened at the Igra Stolov (Game of Tables) cooking studio in Moscow. During a company Christmas party, guests watched a chef do a “cryo-show.” The chef made cocktails using liquid nitrogen, which creates fog for a dramatic effect. At first, the party was happy and fun. But after one man drank his cocktail, he suddenly grabbed his stomach in pain.
He fell to the floor, gasping and in extreme pain. People at the party were shocked. Emergency doctors rushed him to a hospital in Moscow. This event shows that some fancy food and drink tricks can be very unsafe if not done carefully.
The Medical Emergency: A Stomach ‘Torn Apart’
At the hospital, doctors saw the full damage. The liquid nitrogen in the man’s drink had not turned into gas completely. When it hit his warm stomach, it quickly turned into gas and expanded. This created huge pressure and ripped his stomach lining.
Surgeons had to do emergency surgery to save his life. The man is now awake, but he is still very sick. His stomach may need more treatments in the future, and he will need time to recover fully.
Why Liquid Nitrogen is a Hidden Killer in Mixology
Liquid nitrogen may look like harmless smoke, but it is very dangerous. Its temperature is extremely cold: -196°C (-321°F). When it touches something warm, like a human stomach, it boils and expands very quickly—about 700 times bigger. Drinks with liquid nitrogen are dangerous because:
- Rapid Gas Expansion: The gas can burst internal organs in seconds.
- Cryogenic Burns: Extreme cold can burn tissues inside the body.
- Asphyxiation: Nitrogen can replace oxygen in the air, causing people to faint.
- Internal Bleeding: The pressure can cut blood vessels, causing fast blood loss.
Safety Protocols: When is a ‘Cryo-Drink’ Safe?
Experts say liquid nitrogen should only be used to chill drinks or freeze garnishes. It should never go directly into a person’s mouth. A drink is safe only when all the nitrogen has evaporated and the fog is gone.
Bartenders sometimes use it to chill glasses or freeze decorations. But drinking it before it is safe can cause serious injuries. The Moscow accident is a warning: organizers must be careful and tell guests about the risks.
Moscow Nightlife Safety and Corporate Liability
This accident has started discussions about safety in Moscow’s nightlife. The cooking studio and chef are now under investigation. Experts say not warning guests about the dangers is very serious and could be considered negligence.
Companies planning events should check that food and drinks are safe. Any “fancy” or experimental drinks should be done only by trained professionals.
Conclusion
During holidays, people like fun and Instagram-worthy drinks. But no drink is worth risking your life. If you go to a party with fancy molecular gastronomy drinks, always ask if the liquid nitrogen is fully gone. The Moscow accident should be a warning to prevent other serious injuries.
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources. Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets.