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Pregnant Flight Attendant Burned By Exploding Coffee
1 Apr
Summary
- A flight attendant suffered severe burns from an exploding coffee blend.
- The lawsuit alleges the coffee product was defective and untested for altitude.
- The flight attendant was pregnant and feared for her unborn child's safety.
A pregnant flight attendant, Victoria Waldron, is suing Stumptown Coffee Corp for severe burns sustained on April 1, 2024. Attorneys filed a complaint on March 27, 2026, alleging a defective coffee blend caused the incident.
Waldron was brewing Stumptown's custom blend on an Alaska Airlines flight when the coffee maker exploded. She suffered immediate, severe thermal burns from the boiling liquid and grounds. The injuries resulted in permanent scarring and a persistent rash, causing her significant pain and distress, including fear for her unborn child.
The lawsuit claims Stumptown failed to adequately test its product for use at altitude, despite knowing about similar incidents. The Association of Flight Attendants had reported at least nine flight attendants were burned by exploding coffee from Stumptown's blend as of February 20, 2024.
Waldron's attorneys argue her injuries were preventable. They cite that Stumptown tested the blend for taste but not for safety in commercial brewing equipment on planes. The packaging, designed for sea level, allegedly became dangerous in the low-pressure cabin environment.
The civil complaint seeks damages for Waldron's physical pain, suffering, medical expenses, and lost earnings. Stumptown, which began supplying the custom blend in December 2023, has not yet responded to the allegations in court. The company declined to comment.
