A honeymoon trip to the picturesque hills of Darjeeling turned into a traumatic adventure for a newlywed couple from West Bengal following a barbecue accident at a homestay in Shittong that left them with severe burn injuries.
The incident, which reportedly occurred while the couple was staying at the property, has raised questions about the safety precautions regarding the use of barbecue equipment and other fire-related facilities at homestays.
According to the information available, the couple had travelled to Shittong in Darjeeling as part of their honeymoon plans. With its quiet surroundings, beautiful landscapes and relatively peaceful atmosphere, the place attracts visitors looking to break from busy urban life. But their holiday turned topsy-turvy as the barbecue they were using at the homestay exploded, they said.
The two newlyweds suffered severe burns, and immediate medical attention was required due to the accident. The cause of the barbecue explosion and the extent of their injuries, as well as the current condition of the couple, may not be confirmed yet.
Barbecue accidents might happen if combustible fuel, heat and flammable materials are handled without safe measures. Outdoor cooking equipment can be dangerous if fuel leaks, heat is too high, if it’s not properly handled or if it’s not properly ventilated. The incident in Shittong makes it clear that they need to work properly and guests need to be given clear safety instructions before they use them.
Homestays have become popular among tourists visiting hill destinations across India. Tourists like these hotels because they offer a more private and localized experience compared to conventional hotels. Some properties also offer recreational facilities like bonfires and barbecues, especially in colder places. While such facilities can enhance a holiday experience, they also require careful supervision and appropriate safety arrangements.
The incident is a lesson to tourists as well—that fire-related recreational activities should not be taken for granted. Barbecue equipment should be set up as per the property instructions and any unusual smell, leakage, smoke or malfunction should be reported immediately. The guests should not try to repair or modify fuel-powered equipment themselves, as well.
For homestay operators, the incident teaches them to keep up to date with equipment inspections and storage of fuel and fire safety arrangements. If an accident happens with the barbecue, staff members should be familiar with how it works and should be able to react quickly. Emergency medical support and contact information on the phone would also be readily available in the most remote tourist locations where medical treatment is more time-consuming.
The Shittong incident is particularly disturbing because the couple went to the Darjeeling hills to celebrate the beginning of their married life. Honeymoon trips are usually associated with relaxation and memorable experiences, so an accident resulting in serious injuries is especially hard on the affected families.
When all of the details are known, the couple's treatment and how the barbecue accident occurred will be much clearer. The equipment that was used and the safety measures in place at the homestay will also be investigated by authorities or local officials.
Honeymoon turns tragic for a newly wed West Bengal based couple as barbecue blows up leaving with severe burn injuries. Incident took place at a homestay in Shittong, Darjeeling. pic.twitter.com/AjTahELdXk
— Pooja Mehta (@pooja_news) September 18, 2026
And the incident has also highlighted the larger issue of tourist safety in homestays and holiday homes. As Darjeeling, Kalimpong and other hill areas remain popular, it is essential that accommodation providers adhere to the very basics of fire and equipment safety.
So far, the attention is on the injured newlywed couple and their recovery from such an awful accident. Their honeymoon, meant to be a joyous moment in their married life, has turned into an emotionally-laden experience after the barbecue accident at the Shittong homestay.
