Injured Woman Seeks Compensation After Second-Degree Burns at Sénéquier Restaurant
A two-year investigation follows an incident in which a woman was burned during the preparation of a flambé dish in Saint-Tropez.
On August 21, 2023, a woman identified as Nathalie (name changed for privacy) sustained second-degree burns while dining at the renowned Sénéquier restaurant in Saint-Tropez, France.
The incident occurred during the preparation of a Crêpe Suzette flambée, which was being served to customers seated behind her.
While the restaurant was crowded that evening, Nathalie's husband expressed concerns about the close proximity of diners to the hot pan and flame, concerns that the server reportedly ignored.
Suddenly, the dish ignited, propelling Nathalie to the ground and causing severe injuries.
In her own words, she described the experience as feeling like she had been doused with acid, stating, "I thought it was an explosion.
I curled up in a fetal position.
I was burning, I was screaming; it felt endless.
Then they poured water on me."
After the incident, staff members quickly moved the family inside the restaurant, while tables were righted outdoors.
Nathalie felt that the staff was attempting to conceal the situation from other patrons.
Emergency services were called to the scene, but as the hospital in Gassin was closed, the paramedics offered to transport Nathalie to the emergency room in Toulon, which she declined.
The following day, Nathalie filed a complaint at the gendarmerie in Sainte-Maxime.
Upon her return to Île-de-France, she visited a hospital where she was diagnosed with second-degree burns and was prescribed thirty days of total work cessation.
As of now, nearly two years later, the investigation remains open and ongoing at the Draguignan prosecutor's office.
Nathalie, whose suffering has been corroborated by psychological assessments, has expressed concerns regarding the restaurant's handling of the incident, suggesting that Sénéquier aims to suppress the matter.
Following the incident, the restaurant has removed Crêpe Suzette from its menu.
The incident occurred during the preparation of a Crêpe Suzette flambée, which was being served to customers seated behind her.
While the restaurant was crowded that evening, Nathalie's husband expressed concerns about the close proximity of diners to the hot pan and flame, concerns that the server reportedly ignored.
Suddenly, the dish ignited, propelling Nathalie to the ground and causing severe injuries.
In her own words, she described the experience as feeling like she had been doused with acid, stating, "I thought it was an explosion.
I curled up in a fetal position.
I was burning, I was screaming; it felt endless.
Then they poured water on me."
After the incident, staff members quickly moved the family inside the restaurant, while tables were righted outdoors.
Nathalie felt that the staff was attempting to conceal the situation from other patrons.
Emergency services were called to the scene, but as the hospital in Gassin was closed, the paramedics offered to transport Nathalie to the emergency room in Toulon, which she declined.
The following day, Nathalie filed a complaint at the gendarmerie in Sainte-Maxime.
Upon her return to Île-de-France, she visited a hospital where she was diagnosed with second-degree burns and was prescribed thirty days of total work cessation.
As of now, nearly two years later, the investigation remains open and ongoing at the Draguignan prosecutor's office.
Nathalie, whose suffering has been corroborated by psychological assessments, has expressed concerns regarding the restaurant's handling of the incident, suggesting that Sénéquier aims to suppress the matter.
Following the incident, the restaurant has removed Crêpe Suzette from its menu.
