Posted on 08/23/2014 7:44:16 AM PDT by Scoutmaster
Peng Fan was preparing the rare Asian delicacy from the Indochinese spitting cobra when the snake's severed head bit him with venom as he was throwing it into the bin, The Mirror reported.
Peng died before he could be treated in hospital with life-saving anti-venom, police said.
"It is a highly unusual case, but it appears to be just an accident," a police spokesman said. "He prepared the snake himself and was just unlucky.
"There was nothing that could be done to save the man. Only the anti-venom could have helped, but this was not given in time. It was just a tragic accident."
Diners who were eating in the restaurant at the time of the incident described screams coming from the kitchen.
Lin Sun, 44, who was dining with his wife Su said: "We were in the restaurant having a meal for my wife's birthday when suddenly there was a lot of commotion.
"We did not know what was happening but could hear screams coming from the kitchen. There were calls for a doctor in the restaurant but unfortunately by the time medical assistance arrived, the man had already died. After we heard that we did not continue with our meal."
According to snake expert Yang Hong-Chang, all reptiles can function for up to an hour after losing their body parts.
"It is perfectly possible that the head remained alive and bit Peng's hand," he said. "By the time a snake has lost its head, it's effectively dead, as basic body functions have ceased, but there is still some reflexive action.
"It means snakes have the capability of biting and injecting venom even after the head has been severed."
Eeeeek!!!
That’s what ten foot poles are for.
I can think of one thing....don't make Cobra Soup.
Rule #1...always make sure your food is dead before preparing it.
I’ve beheaded Western Diamondbacks before, and the head will keep yawning for well over an hour.
It happens:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SAQPZaFH3QY
Revenge !!!
Kinda makes you wonder what happened to those who got the chop in England and France centuries ago...or those getting the Religion of Pieces treatment today...experience in the moments after...well,you know.
The snake should’ve known you never bite the hand that feeds you.....to others.
There's something funny about that comment to me. I wonder how one politely excuses themselves from the restaurant while the chef is dying?
“Check, please!”
I’ve seen the severed head from a rattlesnake open and extend its fangs for over a hour.....
Makes you wonder who killed who.
“After we heard that we did not continue with our meal.”
Um... Can I get this to go?
BE PREPARED!
If you are going to be handling spitting cobra venom and are afraid of a "needle stick" (as happens in hospital environments with syringes), why not have some "anti-venom" onhand next to the fire extinguisher?"
If the authorities don't mind you preparing this dish in your kitchen (where venom could possibly contaminate other dishes), then why the restriction on antivenum?
I’ve heard of waiters spitting in soup before before but cobra heads?
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