A man faced a life-threatening situation when a high-end cocktail at a corporate Christmas party caused severe damage to his stomach. The incident occurred during an extravagant event where guests were treated to a dramatic “cryo-show” performed by a well-known chef. The chef utilized liquid nitrogen to create eye-catching cocktails, commonly used in professional kitchens for rapid ingredient freezing but dangerous if consumed before complete evaporation.
Attendees were not cautioned about the potential risks, with the chef reportedly urging one man to drink the cocktail immediately. The man collapsed at the Igra Stolov ‘Game of Tables’ cooking studio in Moscow, clutching his stomach in pain before being rushed to intensive care for emergency surgery to mend the torn stomach.
Identified as Sergey, 38, the man was conscious but in a serious condition post-surgery. Medical professionals attributed the incident to the rapid expansion of gas within his body caused by the liquid nitrogen, leading to stomach rupture. The festive office gathering turned into a panic-stricken scene as guests watched in shock while medical teams worked to save the man’s life.
Liquid nitrogen, boiling vigorously at room temperature, poses severe risks if consumed prematurely, as it can result in internal injuries or death. When ingested, it transforms into gas, expanding significantly within the body, potentially causing stomach rupture, internal bleeding, and organ damage. Safety experts emphasize that drinks containing liquid nitrogen must only be consumed once all traces of the substance have evaporated to prevent life-threatening situations.
In a separate incident, a mother of three tragically passed away after unknowingly consuming a cocktail contaminated with an “industrial cleaner.” Holly Hill, 30, had ingested the tainted margarita during a Valentine’s Day outing at a Mexican bar in Oklahoma in 2023. The chemical’s harsh effects on her throat and esophagus necessitated multiple procedures over two years until her passing in October of the same year.
Her family alleged that a subsequent margarita contained the harmful cleaning solution, leading to legal action against the bar, culminating in a confidential settlement.