Bengaluru: Firecracker injuries threaten vision; two infants among victims

The festive season in India often brings a rise in the use of fireworks, and Bengaluru has seen a sharp increase in patients arriving at the state‑run Minto Ophthalmic Hospital with injuries caused by exploding shells and stray sparks. Over a three‑day period ending on November 9, the hospital treated twenty individuals, half of whom were children, and twelve of those cases involved deep lacerations, corneal burns, or foreign bodies lodged in the eye. The medical staff reported that the severity of the injuries required surgical intervention in many instances, and that the recovery process could be lengthy and uncertain.

Eye specialists warned that even minor burns can lead to scarring that impairs vision, and that infants and young children are especially at risk because they cannot protect themselves from sudden blasts. The hospital’s chief ophthalmologist highlighted the lack of public awareness about the dangers of handling fireworks without proper safety gear, noting that many injuries occur when adults light crackers in close proximity to other people or when children pick up unexploded devices. The rise in cases has prompted local authorities to issue advisories urging residents to avoid using fireworks near schools, hospitals, and residential areas.

The incident underscores a broader public‑health challenge for Indian cities during the Diwali period, where cultural celebrations intersect with safety concerns. Policymakers are being urged to enforce stricter regulations on the sale of high‑explosive firecrackers and to promote the use of safer, low‑noise alternatives. For families in Karnataka and beyond, the message is clear: protecting eyesight should take precedence over the visual spectacle of fireworks, and community education campaigns could help reduce the number of preventable injuries in future celebrations.