As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, many are getting ready to make dumplings. However, a woman in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, recently experienced an explosion while using a pressure cooker to prepare dumplings, resulting in rice flying everywhere and a chaotic scene, luckily with no injuries reported.

According to reports from Qianjiang Video, the incident occurred on the 28th. The woman used a pressure cooker to cook dumplings, but the pressure inside the pot went out of control, causing an explosion. The aftermath left rice scattered and even created large holes in the ceiling. She expressed her regret, stating, "I just wanted to save time by using the pressure cooker. I never expected it would explode. It was terrifying, and I won't dare to cook this way again. Everyone, please don’t follow my example!" She also posted a warning on social media to others, saying, "Do not use a pressure cooker for dumplings; it's too dangerous!"

Experts have noted that similar incidents are not uncommon. While pressure cookers offer quick cooking advantages, sticky rice can swell when heated and block the vent. If the pressure relief valve fails to work properly, it could lead to an explosion.

Experts advise the public to use traditional cooking methods such as steaming or electric pots which may take longer but are much safer. If one insists on using a pressure cooker, it is crucial to ensure that the vent is unobstructed and to avoid overfilling with dumplings or sticky rice. Regular checks of the pot's sealing ring for wear and tear are also recommended.