When a Mookata Blaze Turns into a Hilarious Safety Lesson
Picture this: A sunny afternoon, a bustling Golden Mile Complex table, and the sizzling grill that makes every bite a celebration.
Nothing beats the aroma of a good mookata, right? Yet, Eugene Goh—son of the savvy owner of New Udon Mookata—reminded us that even the best meals can turn into a real-life drama. On August 14, while serving a crowd of friends, a stove caught fire and the restaurant’s atmosphere shifted from feasting to firefighting.
How the Fire Became a Viral Moment
The incident was captured on TikTok, garnering over 7,600 likes and a staggering 292,000 views within its first day. Two men with a fire extinguisher sprinted around the table, while a curious bunch of onlookers formed a human “watching party.” Though the clip is trendy, the story behind it is all about quick thinking and training.
Eugene’s Quick Reaction
Just before 2 pm, Eugene noticed the stove erupting flames. Instead of panicking, he leapt into action, pulling out the extinguisher—thanks to his past service with the Singapore Civil Defence Force. He told AsiaOne, “I just felt the need to settle the situation quickly,” and that fear didn’t cross his mind. Within a minute, the fire was out, everyone was safe, and the restaurant could resume its normal hustle.
Who Was Involved?
- Some diners—likely in the early 20s—found themselves sitting on a suddenly burning table.
- Although the diners didn’t exactly raise a toast to the fire, they gave Eugene some good news: no injuries, no emergency call needed.
- After the blaze, the group expressed that they “didn’t want to dine anymore” and left without paying for the damage.
What Went Wrong?
Goh suspects that the flare-up happened because the guests tried to tweak the stove’s gas cartridge themselves. If the cartridge isn’t locked in properly, the gas can misfire—leading to a fiery mishap. The usual protocol? Let the staff handle it! Most customers are asked to wait while their staff starts the grill.
He wryly added that while such incidents are rare, they still occur at least once a year—though this one was the biggest he’s seen.
Prevention Measures
Eugene has already acted to avoid future surprises: signs have been printed and posted throughout the restaurant to remind patrons not to touch the gas cartridge. It’s all about keeping the fun safe.
Earlier This Year: Another Setback
Golden Mile Complex didn’t have this as its first culinary mishap. In March, a power outage kept a nearby restaurant dark for 35 hours, costing them around $6,000 in spoiled food.
Takeaway
So next time you’re enjoying mookata, keep your eyes on the grill—and maybe leave the gas cartridge inside the safe hands of the staff. After all, a little safety twist can turn an ordinary dinner into an unforgettable story.
