Hyderabad: Over 60 people, including 29 children, had eye injuries in connection with Diwali celebrations and firecrackers, as per reports from the state-run Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital in Hyderabad, as officials said to PTI on Monday. These are the numbers between 9 and 10 a.m. Eight of the affected were undergoing examination and treatment in the operation theatre. The hospital allocated special arrangements for firecracker-related injuries.
In a separate incident in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, 35-40 people, including children, sustained burn injuries after bursting Diwali crackers. They were admitted and received treatment at the district hospital there, ANI said.
Sarojini Hospital RMO Dr Mohammad Ibrahim said two of the admitted patients are in critical condition and surgeries were being planned. "Please make sure that children do not burst firecrackers in the absence of elders, because most of the cases coming in are of children," he told ANI.
He also advised people to burst crackers in open spaces and keep water nearby. In case of an eye injury, he asked them to wash the eye immediately with clean water, avoid home treatment, and rush to the nearest hospital.
AIMIM Nampally MLA Majid Hussain was present at the hospital. He observed that the number of cases has risen compared to last year.
"Doctors have informed me that the eyesight of one of those patients could not be restored. Compared to last year, the number of cases has increased this year. We request everyone to have a very prosperous Diwali and enjoy every bit of it, but please celebrate under the supervision of elders," he told ANI.
Hussain added that out of the injured, several victims were passersby. "Nearly half the cases here are of pedestrians who were simply walking along the road," he said, stating that the moving debris and stones from exploding firecrackers struck their eyes.
"Celebrate Diwali with enthusiasm and joy, but celebrate safely," Hussain said, urging people to celebrate under the supervision of elders.