Tamil Nadu reported a total of 150 fire accidents on Deepavali this year, leading to one fatality and 544 injuries related to the use of firecrackers and fireworks. This marks a notable decrease compared to 2023, which saw 254 incidents statewide, with Chennai accounting for 48 of this year’s cases, down from 102 the previous year.
The Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Department mobilized over 8,000 personnel across 368 locations, including more than 800 in Chennai, to manage emergencies effectively. Officials highlighted a tragic incident involving a 12-year-old boy from Rameswaram in the Ramanathapuram district, who sustained severe injuries while holding lit firecrackers and was later declared dead at a government hospital.
Authorities attributed the decrease in fire accidents to extensive awareness campaigns conducted in over 2,400 locations, including schools and colleges, aimed at promoting safe firecracker usage. Additionally, rainfall in various parts of the state contributed to fewer incidents.
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) also issued an advisory before Deepavali, recommending that firecrackers be burst only during specified hours to further enhance safety.
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