TWIN FALLS, Idaho — A woman was injured Tuesday morning when an attempt to light kitchen equipment at a downtown Twin Falls restaurant triggered a small explosion. The incident, which occurred at the pizzeria Slice, led to a prompt response from emergency services and temporarily closed a section of Main Avenue.
The accident took place shortly after 10 a.m., causing injuries that required the employee to be transported to St. Luke’s Magic Valley Regional Medical Center. Officials described her injuries as primarily burns. In response to the event, Battalion Chief Aaron Hudson of the Twin Falls Fire Department stated that although the explosion did not cause a sustained fire, it necessitated a significant emergency response.
“Given the unknowns of the situation initially, we mobilized a full response to handle any possible escalation,” said Hudson.
The injured employee, whose identity is being withheld, is currently being treated for her injuries and is in stable condition. According to a social media update by the restaurant, she is “resting now and wanted to thank everyone for the kind words and prayers,” acknowledging the pain she experienced.
Following the explosion, local police, fire authorities, and emergency medical teams were on the scene to secure the area and provide necessary aid. Such coordinated responses are routine in incidents involving potential public safety hazards. The emergency teams’ quick action helped avoid further injuries or damage to the property and bystanders.
The incident led to a shutdown of the business for the rest of the day, with plans to reopen the following Wednesday, contingent on safety assessments and repairs. The closure of part of Main Avenue also affected the flow of traffic and local businesses in the vicinity but was deemed necessary for safety checks and preliminary investigations.
Local officials are currently conducting a detailed investigation to understand the precise cause of the explosion. Preliminary checks suggest issues with the gas connections or kitchen equipment malfunction could be possible factors.
Restaurant explosions, while rare, pose significant risks, and this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety protocols and adequate training for handling culinary equipment. The community and local businesses have expressed their sympathy and support for the injured worker and the restaurant as they recover from this unfortunate event.
The restaurant has assured customers and the public of their commitment to safety and thorough inspections before resuming operations. Meanwhile, the Twin Falls community has rallied on social media to extend support to the injured employee, reflecting the close-knit nature of the area.
As the investigation progresses, further details are expected to emerge about the cause of the explosion and potential preventive measures to ensure similar incidents do not occur in the future.