Over 75 injured in firecracker accidents in Bengaluru on Tuesday

The festive spirit of Deepavali turned sombre in Bengaluru for 75 people, including several children, who sustained injuries from firecrackers. Overall, in the last two days of the festival, over 100 patients sought treatment at various eye hospitals across the city for cracker-related injuries. Of these, six are likely to lose vision partially, doctors said.

At the State-run Minto Ophthalmic Hospital, 13 cases were reported on Tuesday, including six children, with two admitted as in-patients. Narayana Nethralaya treated 46 patients, 27 of them children. Sankara Eye Hospital recorded 13 cases, and Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital treated three, alongside several other cases at private facilities across Bengaluru.

Over the last two days, Minto Hospital has treated 17 patients of which six required surgical intervention. Doctors said the six patients are at risk of partial vision loss. On Tuesday alone, four new cases were registered, including two grievous injuries caused mainly by bijli, atom bomb, and flower pot crackers.

Narayana Nethralaya managed 51, including 20 adults and 31 children in the last two days. Doctors said that 38 injuries occurred while individuals were bursting crackers themselves, while 13 bystanders were hurt due to others’ carelessness.

Among the cases, a 10-year-old boy sustained burns to his eyelashes and hair while lighting a cracker, with chemical particles causing corneal abrasions and swelling. In another incident, a 67-year-old foreign national walking along the road was struck in the eye by a spark from a nearby burst.

Over 60% children 

Between October 19 and 21, Narayana Nethralaya reported 43 patients with eye injuries. While 40 were treated medically, three required surgical intervention. Hospital director Naren Shetty noted that over 60% of those injured were children. He cited the case of an 18-year-old who suffered severe eye trauma while lighting an atom bomb cracker and a 10-year-old with burns and corneal abrasions following a nearby explosion.

“Primary treatment involves thorough eye washing, medication, and, in severe cases, surgical management,” Dr. Shetty said, urging the public to use protective eyewear and exercise caution during the festivities.

At Sankara Eye Hospital, 16 firecracker-related injuries were reported, including six among children, with one patient requiring sutures for an eyebrow injury. Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital treated three young patients for minor redness and irritation.

Doctors across hospitals have emphasised the importance of public awareness on eye safety and the use of protective gear, particularly for children.