Festival of lights turns grim for many as firecracker injuries surge across Bengaluru hospitals

A dedicated ward for firecracker-related injuries at Minto Ophthalmic Hospital.

The festival of lights turned grim for several people in Bengaluru, with over 200 suffering firecracker-related injuries during Deepavali, including many facing the risk of partial or severe vision loss.

Children, including toddlers as young as two and three years old, and elderly people aged up to 70 were among those affected. A significant proportion of the victims were bystanders who were not even bursting crackers.

The dangers were not limited to eye injuries. At the Mahabodhi Burns Centre in the State-run Victoria Hospital, seven patients were admitted with significant firecracker-related burn injuries.

Two of them, a 27-year-old pregnant woman who suffered 33% deep burns, including a blast injury to her leg, and an eight-year-old boy who sustained 20% deep burns after a petrol-filled bottle caught fire and was thrown during a firecracker-related incident, are critical. Both are undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), while the remaining five patients are stable and receiving treatment in the High Dependency Unit (HDU).

Six other patients with minor firecracker burns were treated as outpatients, said C.N. Yogishwarappa, Professor and Head, Department of Plastic Surgery, at the hospital.

Hospitals across the city have reported a surge in eye injuries. Narayana Nethralaya treated 114 patients across its Bengaluru centres, while the State-run Minto Ophthalmic Hospital reported 50 cases between November 6 and 11. Sankara Eye Hospital recorded 33 patient entries, Nethradhama treated 12, Prabha Eye Clinic reported 15, and Dr. M.C. Modi Charitable Eye Hospital recorded five cases.

At Minto Ophthalmic Hospital, 30 of the 50 patients suffered grievous injuries and were at risk of partial vision loss, while 20 sustained simple injuries, according to hospital director Dr. Suresh Babu.

Bystanders accounted for 30 cases, while children made up 20 of the injured. Eleven patients were admitted, three underwent surgery, and the remaining patients were treated as outpatients.

Dr. Babu said the number of cases could exceed the 56 reported last year as more patients were expected to approach the hospital. He suggested that shops selling firecrackers provide protective glasses free of cost to buyers.

At Narayana Nethralaya, 64 patients were treated at the Rajajinagar branch between November 7 and 10, including 33 children and 23 bystanders. Three patients required surgery, while 61 received medical treatment. Across its other centres at Bommasandra, Bannerghatta Road and Whitefield, a subsequent hospital update reported another 56 patients, including 30 children and 12 bystanders. Three patients suffered severe corneal tears requiring surgery. Two toddlers, aged two and three, sustained injuries after soot particles entered their eyes. The oldest patient, aged 70, suffered a conjunctival laceration.

Rohit Shetty, Director, Narayana Nethralaya Eye Hospitals, said the number of children and innocent bystanders among the injured was particularly concerning. He cautioned that seemingly minor injuries could result in prolonged treatment, permanent visual impairment, and lasting trauma.

Sankara Eye Hospital recorded 33 patient entries, predominantly involving firecracker-related eye injuries. The hospital cautioned against rubbing the eyes or using home remedies and stressed the need for immediate consultation with an ophthalmologist.

Nethradhama treated 12 patients, including six minors, with a five-year-old girl being the youngest. Eight cases were reported on November 10 alone.

The injuries reported across hospitals ranged from eyelid burns, corneal abrasions and foreign particles lodged in the eyes to hyphema, corneal tears and retinal damage.