Radio Station in Court Over Dry Ice Stunt

---

A British radio station was in court Friday for running a competition during which four listeners suffered severe frostbite.



During the "Coolest Seats In Town" challenge by BRMB station in Birmingham, central England, four listeners competed to see who could sit on dry ice for the longest time.


"They suffered frostbite, permanent scarring and were hospitalized," a spokeswoman for the safety watchdog which brought the prosecution told Reuters.


"The temperature of the dry ice (frozen carbon dioxide) was minus 78 centigrade," she said.


The prize for the contest held in August 2001 was tickets to "Party in the Park" -- a music festival.


The Health and Safety Executive said the radio station could face a fine of up to 20,000 pounds if found guilty in the magistrates court.


BRMB was not immediately available to comment.


The station has run several publicity stunts in the past which have aroused controversy.


One promotion led to two strangers getting married, winning cash, an exotic honeymoon and the use of a upmarket flat. The competition prompted criticism from church groups which said it demeaned the dignity of marriage vows.


The couple separated after a few months.