Diwali Disaster: 32 Suffer Eye Injuries in Hyderabad; 2 Critical
32 people, mostly children, treated for eye injuries in Hyderabad after Diwali mishaps. Two remain critical as doctors warn of permanent sight loss.
The festive spirit of Diwali took a tragic turn in Hyderabad as at least 32 people, a majority of whom are children, rushed to the Government Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital in Mehdipatnam to seek urgent treatment for Diwali firecracker eye injuries. While most were treated and sent home, the severity of some cases has left families in distress.
Critical Condition and Permanent Loss
Of the 32 victims, six patients have been admitted to the hospital for intensive care. Dr Mohammad Ibrahim, the Resident Medical Officer (RMO), revealed that two of these admitted patients are currently in critical condition, and the medical team is planning necessary surgeries to save their vision.
Adding to the tragedy, AIMIM Nampally MLA Majid Hussain, who visited the hospital, shared a heartbreaking update. He stated that doctors informed him that the eyesight of one patient could not be restored, highlighting the permanent damage caused by the mishaps.
Pedestrians Caught in the Crossfire
It wasn't just those bursting the crackers who suffered. MLA Majid Hussain pointed out a worrying trend: nearly half of the cases involved pedestrians. These innocent passersby were simply walking along the road when flying debris and stones, propelled by exploding firecrackers, struck their eyes.
Hussain noted that the number of injuries has seen an increase compared to the previous year, urging the public to balance their enthusiasm for the festival with strict safety measures.
Doctor's Warning: How to Stay Safe
Dr Mohammad Ibrahim emphasized that a lack of adult supervision is a primary cause of these accidents. He issued a strong plea to parents to ensure children do not handle firecrackers alone.
Safety Guidelines for Firecrackers:
- Supervision: Children must never burst crackers without the presence of elders.
- Location: Always use open spaces for bursting crackers.
- Preparedness: Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies.
Emergency First Aid for Eye Injuries:
In the event of an eye injury, medical professionals advise the following immediate steps:
- Wash the affected eye immediately with clean water.
- Avoid home remedies or self-treatment.
- Rush to the nearest medical facility, preferably a specialized eye hospital.
Burn Injuries Reported in Madhya Pradesh
The danger of firecrackers was not limited to Telangana. In a separate series of incidents in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, at least 35 to 40 people, including children and the elderly, were admitted to the District Hospital with burn injuries. Dr Rajesh Mishra noted that most of these injuries resulted from gunpowder explosions and a general lack of caution by both children and parents during the celebrations.