The Advanced Eye Centre, PGI, Chandigarh, has reported a total of 69 eye injury cases related to Diwali cracker bursting incidents during this festive period. Of these, 26 cases were reported earlier (from 8 am on October 20 to 8 am on October 21), 30 more from 8 am on October 21 to 8 am on October 22, and an additional 13 fresh cases were received till 5 pm on October 22.
Among the 30 Diwali-related cases reported on October 21 and 22, as many as 27 were males and three females. While 17 patients suffered self-inflicted injuries, 13 were bystanders, underscoring the collateral risks of unsafe firecracker use.
The geographical distribution includes 11 cases from Chandigarh, six from Punjab, five each from Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, and three from Uttar Pradesh. Medically, 13 cases involved closed globe injuries (CGI) and 17 were open globe injuries (OGI), with 28 unilateral and two bilateral eye involvements. The age profile of patients ranged from a five-year-old, the youngest victim, to a 58-year-old, the oldest. Of the total, 18 were children and 12 adults, reflecting the higher vulnerability of minors during the festive celebrations. Thirteen new cases were reported on October 22, with nine closed globe injuries and 4 with open globe injuries. Two surgeries have been completed, while two are pending.
Expressing concern over the trend, Prof S S Pandav, head, Department of Ophthalmology and Advanced Eye Centre, PGI, stated, “This surge in eye injuries during Diwali is deeply unfortunate. Despite repeated awareness drives, many individuals, especially children, continue to suffer avoidable and often sight-threatening injuries. We urge parents to strictly supervise children, and the public to prioritise safety and avoid hazardous firecrackers to prevent such preventable tragedies.”
Faculty at PGI emphasised the need for stronger public awareness campaigns, community education, and strict adherence to safety norms to curb the rising trend of firecracker-related eye injuries.
PGI’s plastic surgery dept treats 17 patients for firecracker-related injuries
In all, 17 patients reported to the Department of Plastic Surgery, PGI, with firecracker-related injuries, seven reported earlier, and 10 reported on October 22. Among these, seven patients suffered hand injuries due to firecrackers bursting in hand, three had facial injuries, and two presented with foot injuries requiring orthoplastic intervention. Five patients have already undergone surgery in the Advanced Trauma Centre, while another five with minor burns were treated and discharged after medical care.
“Every festive season, we continue to see preventable firecracker injuries that lead to significant trauma, especially to hands and face. Caution and supervision, particularly for children, can help avoid such life-altering accidents,” said Prof Atul Parashar, head, Department of Plastic Surgery.
