Newlywed woman suffers 60% burns during Darjeeling honeymoon; barbecue fire caught on video

A honeymoon in Darjeeling took a tragic turn after a newlywed woman suffered burns over around 60 per cent of her body when a barbecue fire suddenly flared up at a homestay in Sittong, Kurseong, on September 13. A video capturing the incident has since surfaced on social media, showing the fire engulfing the woman within seconds as her husband rushes to help her.

Souvik Das and his wife Nikita Saha, who got married about a month ago, were staying at Sittong Aura Homestay when they asked staff for a barbecue facility on the evening of September 13.

According to Souvik, the barbecue was arranged at around 8.30 pm and a homestay employee was cooking corn when he poured an unidentified liquid onto the fire.

Souvik said the liquid also fell on Nikita, after which she was immediately engulfed in flames.

Viral video captures seconds of the fire

The video shows the couple calling out for help as the situation rapidly escalates. Nikita can be seen falling to the floor while Souvik rushes towards her.

The employee handling the barbecue is initially seen moving away from the flames before returning and taking off his T-shirt, apparently attempting to put out the fire.

Souvik can also be seen trying to help his wife. He suffered burn injuries to his hand in the process.

The couple's cries for help can be heard in the footage, with them repeatedly shouting for somebody to help.

Husband alleges delay in getting medical help

Nikita was later taken to hospitals in Siliguri for treatment. Souvik alleged that the homestay did not have facilities for immediate first aid and that the couple also struggled to arrange transport to the hospital.

“My wife sustained 60 per cent burns. There was no facility for primary treatment in the homestay. There were no cars. We had to wait for hours to get a car and then bring my wife to Siliguri. I want justice,” Souvik said while speaking to the media in Siliguri.

He also alleged that the homestay did not have fire extinguishers.