Festival of lights turns grim for many as firecracker injuries surge across Bengaluru hospitals
Hospitals in Bengaluru have seen a sharp rise in firecracker injuries during the festival of lights, with two patients in critical condition. The victims include a pregnant woman in her seventh month and an eight‑year‑old boy, both treated in intensive care.
The Diwali celebrations in Karnataka have traditionally involved the use of fireworks and firecrackers, but this year the number of people seeking emergency care for burns has surged. Doctors at the Mahabodhi Burns Centre in Victoria Hospital reported that two of the most serious cases involve a seven‑month‑pregnant woman who suffered severe burns on her arms and torso, and an eight‑year‑old boy whose face and hands were badly damaged. Both patients are currently on ventilators and receiving specialized wound care in the intensive care unit.
Health officials attribute the spike to a combination of factors, including the availability of inexpensive, high‑power fireworks and a lack of public awareness about safety measures. In recent years, the state government has issued guidelines limiting the sale of certain types of crackers, but enforcement remains uneven, especially in densely populated neighborhoods where illegal vendors operate. The increase in injuries has prompted local authorities to launch a public information campaign, urging families to avoid using fireworks around children and pregnant women.
The medical community is also calling for stricter regulation of firecracker sales and for community programs that promote safer alternatives such as laser light shows. Hospital administrators note that treating severe burns requires long‑term rehabilitation, which places a heavy burden on families and the health system. By raising awareness and tightening controls, officials hope to reduce the number of preventable injuries in future celebrations.
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