A MAN is fighting for his life after he was allegedly served liquid nitrogen by a “celebrity chef” at an office Christmas party.
Sergey, 38, was seen clutching his stomach and appeared to be in extreme pain before he collapsed in the middle of the bash.
The incident happened at a corporate Christmas party held at the Igra Stolov “Game of Tables” cooking studio, where guests were being entertained with a theatrical “cryo-show” by an unidentified “celebrity chef”.
The chef prepared flashy cocktails using liquid nitrogen, which is commonly used in professional kitchens and bars to instantly freeze drinks and food.
But the substance is highly dangerous if ingested before it fully evaporates.
Witnesses said guests were not warned of the risks and that the chef allegedly encouraged one man to drink the cocktail immediately.
Sergey was rushed to the hospital, where doctors said that the liquid nitrogen caused a rapid expansion of gas inside his body, rupturing his stomach.
Surgeons carried out emergency surgery in a bid to save his life.
He was later reported as conscious and recovering, though doctors described his condition as serious.
Liquid nitrogen boils violently at room temperature, and experts warn that consuming it before evaporation can lead to severe internal injuries or death.
What was meant to be a festive office celebration ended in panic, with guests reportedly left in shock as medics fought to save the man’s life.
Liquid nitrogen is extremely dangerous if swallowed.
This sudden expansion can cause severe internal pressure, leading to stomach rupture, internal bleeding, and organ damage.
The extreme cold can also freeze internal tissues, compounding the injury.
Drinks prepared with liquid nitrogen are only safe once all the nitrogen has fully evaporated.
If even a small amount remains, swallowing it can be life-threatening.
Medical experts warn that consuming liquid nitrogen directly has previously led to fatal injuries, and its use in drinks is strictly regulated or discouraged in many countries.
