Monday’s celebrations of Diwali turned into catastrophe. Firecrackers injured more than 300 persons. Burns and eye injuries were reported at hospitals around the city, Chandigarh. Twenty-six patients received eye injury treatment at PGIMER Advanced Eye Centre. 36 instances were reported by GMCH-32. 53 eye injuries and 193 burn cases were recorded by GMSH-16 and three civil hospitals. Many of the victims were onlookers.

Doctors were on high alert. From October 20 to 22, staff worked nonstop. Rockets, sky shots, and bullet bombs caused the majority of injuries. At PGIMER, ten patients required surgery. Four had serious eye damage. A Mandi student suffered serious damage to her left eye. Vishali Gupta, a professor, said “Even bystanders are at risk.” Debris and sparks may strike eyes quickly. The cornea, lens, and retina can get significant damage.

Similar incidents were reported nationwide. In Delhi, over 250 people suffered burns, with 118 cases from firecrackers at Safdarjung Hospital. Tamil Nadu reported around 900 injuries during Diwali celebrations. Gujarat saw a 53% rise in burn cases and over 400 fire calls. In Haryana’s Panchkula, 55 burn injuries and eight eye injuries were reported. Most victims were young viewers caught near firecracker displays. Hospitals also handled more than 20 traffic accidents that night.

Seven burn victims, including those with face and hand damage, were treated by plastic surgeons. 36 cases from Chandigarh and nearby states were recorded by GMCH-32. Many more patients received care by other hospitals. For advanced care, some patients were sent to PGIMER. The most affected are youths and viewers, doctors said. On Diwali night, hospitals also handled 20 traffic incidents. Authorities advised parents to wear protective clothing, keep an eye on their children, and get medical attention right away. This Diwali serves as a reminder to everyone of how easily festivities can change into danger.