76 Injured in Diwali Firecracker Incidents in Delhi, Three Critical: AIIMS

By A Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI — At least 76 people were injured in firecracker-related incidents during Diwali celebrations in the national capital, according to the Head of the Burns and Plastic Centre at AIIMS, Dr. Maneesh Singhal. Among them, three cases have been described as grave, involving life-threatening injuries.

Dr. Singhal said the majority of the injuries were caused by burns from firecrackers, particularly those containing potassium nitrate powder. “We treated around 76 patients for Diwali-related injuries, with three cases being grave. Many patients suffered severe burns, including hand injuries leading to amputations. Children were also among the injured,” he stated.

He further highlighted the dangers posed by homemade firecrackers and crude ‘guns’ that often use highly flammable chemicals. These, he said, are a major cause of severe hand and eye injuries during festivals.

The AIIMS team also reported 13 cases of eye injuries, three of which resulted in total vision loss. “Six to seven patients required eye surgeries,” Dr. Singhal added.