The festival of lights is somber for many as firecracker injuries abound in Bengaluru’s hospitals

Specialist Firecracker Injuries Unit at Minto Eye Hospital. | Photo credit: ALLEN EGENUSE J.

The festival of lights was grim for several people in Bengaluru, with more than 200 suffering firecracker-related injuries during Deepavali, many of whom faced the risk of partial or severe vision loss.

Among those affected were children, including toddlers aged two and three, and elderly people aged up to 70. A significant part of the victims were bystanders who did not even crack the crackers.

Two suffered critical burns

The danger was not limited to eye injuries. Seven patients were admitted to the Mahabodhi Burns Center at the state-run Victoria Hospital with severe burns caused by firecrackers.

Two of them, a 27-year-old pregnant woman who suffered 33% deep burns, including an explosion on her leg, and an eight-year-old boy who suffered 20% deep burns after a bottle filled with petrol caught fire and was thrown in a firecracker-related incident. Both are receiving 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 on an outpatient basis, said CN Yogishwarappa, professor and head of the plastic surgery department at the hospital.

Increase in eye injuries

Hospitals across the city reported an increase in eye injuries. Narayana Nethralaya treated 114 patients at its centers in Bengaluru, while Minto State Eye Hospital reported 50 cases between November 6 and 11. Sankara Eye Hospital recorded 33 patient records, Nethradhama treated 12, Prabha Eye Clinic reported 15 and Dr. MC Modi Charitable Eye Hospital has recorded five cases.

At Minto Eye Hospital, 30 of the 50 patients suffered serious injuries and were at risk of partial vision loss, while 20 suffered minor injuries, hospital director Dr. Suresh Babu.

Bystanders were the most affected

Bystanders accounted for 30 cases, while children accounted for 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 come to the hospital. He suggested that stores selling firecrackers should provide free goggles to buyers.

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

Rohit Shetty, director of Narayana Nethralaya Eye Hospitals, said the number of children and innocent bystanders among the injured was particularly worrying. He warned that seemingly minor injuries can result in prolonged treatment, permanent visual impairment and permanent trauma.

Cases in other hospitals

Sankara Eye Hospital has seen 33 patient admissions, mostly with eye injuries caused by firecrackers. The hospital warned against rubbing the eyes or using home remedies and stressed the need for immediate consultation with an ophthalmologist.

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

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

Published – 11 Nov 2026 21:47 IST