Mysuru: At least 22 people suffered minor skin burns and eye injuries caused by firecrackers during Deepavali celebrations in Mysuru. All the injured were treated at K R Hospital. In a separate incident, a coconut tree caught fire after being hit by a firecracker rocket in Metagalli on Monday evening.
According to K R Hospital Medical Superintendent H P Shobha, the hospital had made advance arrangements to handle firecracker-related injuries by reserving 10 beds each in its burns unit and ophthalmic block.
The hospital received five patients on Saturday, eight on Sunday and nine on Monday, taking the total number of people treated for firecracker-related injuries to 22.
The injuries primarily involved minor skin burns and eye-related problems. The hospital had made arrangements in both departments to ensure that patients could receive timely medical attention during the festival.
Nine patients treated on Monday
The number of patients visiting K R Hospital increased over the three days of Deepavali celebrations.
While five patients were treated on Saturday, the hospital received eight patients on Sunday. Another nine people were brought in on Monday with injuries caused by firecrackers.
The hospital had reserved 20 beds across its burns and ophthalmic departments in anticipation of a possible increase in such cases during the festival.
The injuries highlighted the risks associated with handling firecrackers and the importance of taking precautions while celebrating Deepavali.
Coconut tree catches fire in Metagalli
In a separate incident, a coconut tree caught fire after a firecracker rocket accidentally struck it on Old Post Office Road in Metagalli on Monday evening.
According to Mysuru district Regional Fire Officer C Ranganath, the incident was reported at around 6.39 pm.
A firecracker rocket reportedly hit the coconut tree, triggering a fire.
Following information about the incident, a team from the Fire and Emergency Services Department rushed to the spot to control the blaze.
Fire personnel bring blaze under control
The fire and emergency services team was led by Hebbal Fire Station Officer Lakshmikanth Yadav. The personnel reached the location in a fire tender and immediately began firefighting operations.
They used water to extinguish the flames and successfully brought the fire under control.
The prompt response helped prevent the fire from spreading further. No additional details about property damage or other injuries in the incident were reported.
Incidents underline need for firecracker safety
The injuries reported at K R Hospital and the fire involving the coconut tree have once again highlighted the need for caution while bursting firecrackers.
Firecracker-related accidents can result in burns and eye injuries, while rockets and other aerial fireworks can also pose risks to trees, buildings and nearby property when they are not used in open and safe areas.
The hospital’s advance arrangements helped accommodate patients during the festive period, while the fire department’s timely intervention prevented the Metagalli incident from escalating.