Diwali celebrations overshadowed by eye injuries, fatal incidents and record number of fire hazards across India

The vibrant festival of Diwali, celebrated across India with lights, firecrackers, and joyous gatherings, also witnessed a series of unfortunate incidents and emergencies this year, bringing attention to the risks associated with firecrackers and other festival practices. From fires and injuries to life-threatening confrontations, the festival celebrations were marred by numerous incidents, causing authorities to respond swiftly.

Hyderabad: Eye injuries surge

In Hyderabad, the Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital reported a significant rise in firecracker-related eye injuries, with 48 patients seeking treatment for burns and eye damage. Hospital Superintendent Modini Pandharpurkar noted, "Of the 48, eight were admitted to the hospital, including three children and five adults."

Fortunately, none of the injuries were life-threatening. Nevertheless, with the ongoing celebrations, the hospital anticipates a higher number of patients in the coming days. She further urged parents to supervise children during firecracker use and cautioned against risky behavior such as holding crackers while lighting them.

Firecracker dispute in Mumbai

In Mumbai, a Diwali celebration escalated into a fatal altercation when a dispute broke out over the location for bursting firecrackers. Vivek Gupta, a 20-year-old resident of Jai Maharashtra Nagar in Antop Hill, lost his life in the confrontation. The incident began when a passerby, Kartik R Mohan Devendra, asked the group celebrating in a narrow lane to move to a safer location.

Following a heated exchange, Devendra and his associates returned to the scene, leading to a violent clash during which Gupta was stabbed fatally. The police have since arrested five individuals and are actively searching for other suspects involved.

Delhi: Record-breaking fire calls and rampant pollution

The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) experienced a record surge in fire-related emergencies, receiving 318 calls within a 24-hour span, marking the highest number in 13 years. “The figure marks the highest number of Diwali-related fire and emergency incidents in the past 13 years,” stated DFS Chief Atul Garg. Despite enhanced preparedness and additional fire units deployed across the city, the overwhelming number of incidents underscored the persistent dangers posed by firecrackers.

The DFS reported that most calls came between 5 PM on October 31 and 5 AM on November 1. The calls included incidents of minor burns and fires, with one major accident involving a fire onboard a Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus due to an ignited stash of crackers carried by a passenger. Additionally, the relentless firecracker use contributed to a drastic decline in Delhi's air quality. The city's air quality index (AQI) hit 'very poor' levels, exacerbating health risks for residents despite the fifth consecutive year of a government-imposed ban on firecrackers.

Kanpur: Tragic loss in house fire

In a tragic incident in Kanpur, prominent businessman Sanjay Shyam Dasani, his wife Kanika, and their domestic helper Chhavi Chauhan perished in a house fire believed to have started from a 'diya' left unattended after Diwali prayers. The fire rapidly engulfed their home, and the couple, unable to unlock their electronically secured bedroom door in time, succumbed to suffocation. The incident has left the local community in shock, highlighting the need for heightened safety precautions during the festival.

Odisha: Firecracker mishaps result in casualties and injuries

In Odisha, the festive celebrations took a deadly turn as two young boys lost their lives in a firecracker-related blast in Puri, while over 50 people suffered injuries in separate incidents across the state. One tragic accident involved the destruction of 25 shops in a Bhubaneswar market, where property worth lakhs was reduced to ashes.

Hospitals in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack also reported multiple admissions of burn victims, many of whom were children. Puri Superintendent of Police Vinit Agarwal emphasised that strict measures would be taken against individuals involved in illegal firecracker manufacturing.

Kolkata: Smog and noise pollution dampen festivities

In Kolkata, the morning after Diwali brought a sharp decline in air quality as pollution levels soared across the city. Despite efforts by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) to curb the use of harmful firecrackers, many residents disregarded guidelines, leading to dangerously high levels of PM 2.5. The AQI, which hovered around 250 in several areas during the night, remained in the ‘poor’ category the next morning.

Environmentalist Somendra Mohan Ghosh criticised the public's disregard for sound and air pollution norms, stating, “Sound crackers were burst rampantly from 9PM till after 1AM across several areas."

Officials across the country have voiced concerns and urged citizens to prioritise safety over enthusiasm. Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, mobilised enforcement teams to ensure compliance with the firecracker ban, while activists like Somendra Ghosh stressed the importance of public responsibility in maintaining environmental and community safety.

The festival, though symbolic of light and joy, brought shadows of loss and injury this year. As celebrations conclude, the collective hope remains that future festivals will witness more cautious, eco-friendly, and considerate observances that uphold the spirit of Diwali without compromising lives or the environment.

(With inputs from agencies)