A TV host and teacher wants to raise awareness of the dangers of pressure cookers after a horrific accident nearly left her blinded.

Neetal Parekh, of Preston, suffered second degree burns to her neck, face and hand after she was preparing food at home.

Pressure cookers are still used in many Asian homes to cook rice and lentils. Many families’ cookers were also bought from abroad.

She said: “I really want to raise awareness as I don’t ever want anyone else to go through this kind of pain physically and emotionally.”


Neetal said it was important families knew of the dangers and how the accident could have happened to anyone.

“Like any other normal day I was making daal and all the food was pretty much prepared - I only had to empty the Daal from the pressure cooker. 

“I left the pressure cooker to cool down for 15 minutes.

“However, as I took it towards the sink I was about to open it and my mum shouted my name.

“As I turned my head towards my mum, I heard a huge explosion. 

“My skin was burning and the sensation felt as though I was literally on fire.”

“My parents threw cold water on me and used wet cloths on my burns. However I could feel myself slowly losing consciousness. I have no idea where I got the strength to tell my mother to call the ambulance.”

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Neetal, who has presented TV for B4U and also appears on BBC radio, said she was told by the consultant that she had second degree burns.

However, their biggest concern was that the burn was directly on her voice-box and could effect her nerves and breathing. 

She said the last few weeks have entailed visits back and forth to the hospital. 
In a post she said: “Whilst cleaning the dressing, the nurse would also have to remove all the dead skin and clean the wounds to prevent infection. 

“Again I’m finding that the pain doesn’t necessarily lessen as the severe stinging is consistent during this stage.

“However, this post isn’t about me complaining about my pain or even my experience. 

“In fact I am grateful that my Beloved Maharaj and Swami protected me from much more worse, I could have lost my eyesight.”

Neetal said she wanted to thank everyone who had supported her. 
“God Almighty made his presence felt all though this journey, his soothing essence has kept me positive and determined to get through this. 

“Even my parents, sisters, family and friends have been angels sent from above.
“The prayers, wishes and love from everyone has been so overwhelming that I am both humbled and eternally grateful.”

She said it was important for families to be aware of the dangers that pressure cookers pose.

“I know many of you use a pressure cooker but sometimes when they are from abroad they do not necessarily go through the same standard of safety checks as the products do in this country.

“Please ensure you buy a pressure cooker has gone through the absolute correct safety procedure and checks.

“If in doubt simply buy from here instead of from abroad.

She added, “I have found that the emotional healing has been the most toughest to deal with, as I have good days as well as bad days. 

“To be fair I would much prefer to be optimistic and have this positive attitude intact otherwise there would be no motivation or zest to get better! 

“I am aware that even though this has happened to me, it has affected my loved ones hugely too.

“And they too are on this journey with me.”