Barbecue Fireball Accident
Newlywed Woman Suffers Severe Burns in Darjeeling Barbecue Fireball Incident
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The couple had arrived at the homestay earlier that day after booking the property online, and Souvik had specifically asked staff to arrange the barbecue for their honeymoon stay.
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Souvik said there was no primary-treatment facility or vehicle at the homestay, forcing the couple to wait for hours before transport could be arranged. “My wife sustained 60 per cent burns… We had to wait for hours to get a car and then bring my wife to Siliguri. I want justice,” he said.
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The injured woman was first taken to Anandaloke Hospital on Sevoke Road in Siliguri and was later transferred to Desun Hospital, according to her husband.
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The barbecue was reportedly being used to cook corn when the liquid was added to the fire; Souvik alleged that some of the fluid also fell directly onto his wife.
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A senior police official confirmed that authorities were examining the case, while the homestay owner could not be contacted for comment; another report said the property had not responded to the allegations.
A newlywed woman suffered severe burns on September 13 when a barbecue fireball erupted at a homestay in Sittong, Darjeeling, West Bengal. NewsX reported that Nikita Das sustained burns covering about 60% of her body after someone allegedly poured kerosene onto the barbecue. Her husband, Souvik Das, rushed to help and also burned his hand in the chaos.
The couple had arrived at the homestay for their honeymoon just hours earlier. Souvik filed a police complaint alleging the property lacked fire-safety equipment, a primary treatment facility, and a vehicle—forcing them to wait hours for transport to nearby hospitals. "My wife sustained 60 per cent burns," Souvik said. "We had to wait for hours to get a car. I want justice."
CCTV Captures the Moment Liquid Hits the Flames
Security footage shows a man pouring an unidentified liquid onto or near the barbecue before the fire surged suddenly toward Nikita, News18 reported. Rediff confirmed the liquid was kerosene. Witnesses said some of the fluid also fell directly onto Nikita's body, igniting her clothes. Souvik and others nearby tried to extinguish the blaze using their clothing.
Desperate Hours Without Transport or Emergency Care
After the fire was brought under control, the couple faced a second crisis. Souvik alleged the homestay had no medical facility or vehicle to arrange immediate transport. The couple waited hours before securing a car to Siliguri, the nearest city with proper hospitals. TheHindu reported that Nikita was first admitted to Anandaloke Hospital on Sevoke Road, then transferred to Desun Hospital.
Police Investigation and Safety Questions for Tourism Industry
Police confirmed they were examining the incident and allegations of negligence. The homestay owner could not be reached for comment and has not responded publicly to the allegations. The case has triggered broader concerns about how tourist homestays and resorts handle flammable materials and maintain emergency readiness. Safety experts say the incident highlights gaps in fire prevention at smaller accommodation properties.
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