In a distressing incident that occurred during a home economics class at a school in Kuopio, Finland, an eighth-grade girl faced a severe accident when hot oil exploded onto her face while she was monitoring the heating of oil for frying donuts. The incident unfolded in late January when the students were waiting for the oil to heat in a pan. According to the girl, the teacher instructed the students not to add water to the pan and to ensure that no oil splattered out, but no thermometers were utilized to monitor the temperature of the oil.

The girl recounted the moment of the accident, stating that she was standing next to the stove when hot oil unexpectedly splashed from the pot, causing a considerable explosion of oil, affecting her face, neck, and arms. Initially, the oil did not seem to cause any pain, but it soon led to intense burning sensations. Following the incident, the classroom reportedly fell silent, with students reacting only to suggest covering the pot with a lid to prevent the oil from igniting, which raised concerns about safety protocols being inadequately followed during the cooking activity.

This alarming event highlights the risks associated with home economics classes that involve cooking, particularly when safety measures are not strictly adhered to. The lack of proper temperature monitoring and safety equipment, such as thermometers, raises questions about the preparedness of educators in handling such practical lessons, which could lead to severe injuries if not managed correctly. It underscores the need for heightened awareness and training in culinary safety for both teachers and students in classroom environments.