Two chefs were seriously injured this morning when a cooking spray aerosol can that was sitting too close to a gas stove top burst into flames.The male chef and his female colleague were cooking breakfast this morning at the Tarts Café in Lake Street, Northbridge, when they were blown off their feet by the impact of the explosion.
They sustained injuries to their face and hands and were rushed to hospital by St John Ambulance officers.
The impact of the blast, which Perth fire fighters described as a "fire ball" punched a hole through the café's front window sending shards of glass flying across Lake Street.
Customers dining at the café's alfresco area were not hurt.
Perth fire station officer Rick Curtis said the incident proved how dangerous a common household item such as an aerosol can can be when left too close to a heat source.
"We all have items at home and it just shows that we always need to be careful," he said.
Café owner John Vallini said he could not believe what had happened.
"It was a terrible experience," he said.
"There was a loud bang and when I looked up I saw that the chefs had been injured.
"I'm still in shock.
"It is something I never want to go through again.
"It just shows that you can never be too careful."
Witnesses told thewest.com.au they did not hear the explosion but saw people evacuating the cafe.
Shattered glass littered the road as patrons walked from the scene.
"I settled in for a long day with my mates, and was being charged $8 and $9 for a 400mL plastic cup. Some of the Belgian beers were selling at $16 to $18 for the same size. They also had tasting cups which looked like being about 60mL for $1 to $3, and 200mL cups for between $4 and $5, with exception of the more exotic Belgian beers."
"....yeah no lines, we walked straight in, beer was cold and they had some nice ones but it was overpriced. Was a good day but prob wouldn't go again. Could do your own pub crawl through the city much cheaper...."
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