Bengaluru: Diwali celebrations have left several families in distress, with firecracker-related injuries reported at hospitals across Bengaluru. More than 150 cases have reportedly been recorded at major eye hospitals, with children and bystanders among those affected.
The incidents have renewed concerns about the dangers of bursting firecrackers in public spaces. More than 40 bystanders have reportedly suffered eye injuries after crackers and rockets exploded nearby. Pedestrians, people watching celebrations from outside their homes and children playing on roads were among those injured.
The cases highlight how people who are not handling fireworks can also suffer serious consequences when crackers are burst without maintaining a safe distance.
Children among those seriously injured
Among the reported cases is that of a 12-year-old boy from Doddaballapur who is receiving treatment at Minto Hospital. A firecracker burst by another person reportedly caused serious damage to his eye. Doctors are concerned that his eyesight could be at risk.
In another incident, 11-year-old Shivaleela from a village in Raichur district suffered a serious eye injury when a firecracker spark struck her while she was walking home after visiting a relative.
Her parents brought her to Minto Hospital in Bengaluru for specialised treatment.
These incidents have once again drawn attention to the risks faced by children during festival celebrations, particularly when fireworks are ignited on roads and in areas where people are walking or playing.
More than 150 cases reported at hospitals
Hospital figures indicate the extent of firecracker-related injuries reported during the celebrations. Narayana Nethralaya recorded 51 cases, while Minto Hospital reported 36 and Sankara Eye Hospital recorded 26.
Prabha Eye Hospital reported 15 cases, Bengaluru Nethralaya six, Modi Eye Hospital five and Agarwal Eye Hospital four. More than 20 additional cases were reportedly recorded at other hospitals.
Several patients have been discharged after receiving treatment. However, those with serious injuries continue to receive medical care, with some requiring surgical intervention.
The injuries have varied in severity, and doctors are monitoring patients whose eyesight may have been affected.
Youth suffers severe foot injury in Dakshina Kannada
Firecracker accidents have also been reported outside Bengaluru.
In Koyyur village of Belthangady taluk in Dakshina Kannada district, a 20-year-old youth, Likesh Gowda, sustained severe injuries to his right foot after accidentally stepping on a lit firecracker.
The explosion reportedly shattered his foot. He was admitted to a hospital in Mangaluru for treatment.
The incident highlights that firecracker accidents can cause serious injuries beyond burns and eye damage, particularly when unexploded or burning crackers are left on roads and other public spaces.
Safety rules and public awareness under scrutiny
The rising number of injuries has raised questions about the enforcement of firecracker safety rules, restrictions on bursting crackers in public places and awareness among people celebrating the festival.
Bystanders being among the injured is a particular concern, as it shows that the risks extend beyond those directly handling fireworks. Children are especially vulnerable when crackers are burst near residential areas, roads and crowded public spaces.
Doctors have repeatedly advised people to maintain a safe distance from fireworks, ensure children are supervised by adults and use appropriate protective eyewear. Anyone who suffers an eye injury should seek immediate medical attention rather than attempt home remedies or rub the affected eye.
While Diwali is celebrated with enthusiasm across the city, the reported injuries serve as a reminder that celebrations should not put others at risk. Greater care, responsible use of fireworks and consideration for people nearby are essential to prevent avoidable accidents.