GHAIGHAT: A 14-year-old boy has been critically hurt in a bomb blast at Tharuhat Rangasala near Madan Bhandari Memorial Hall in Triyuga Municipality-13 in Udayapur district on Wednesday, police said.

According to police, a bomb exploded with a loud bang after Paras Rai, who was returning home alone after grazing cattle in nearby area, tried to open an unattended bag at a road side in the area around 4:00 pm, this afternoon.

In the incident, Rai sustained injuries in his stomach and head after being hit by shrapnel.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Nabaraj Bhatta said, "Rai, who was rushed to Udayapur District Hospital for treatment, was later referred to Biratnagar-based hospital for further treatment."

"Police are yet to verify the type of the bomb," SP Bhatta added.

He further said an investigation into the case is underway.