Delhi Hospitals Report Over 300 Burn Cases During Diwali, Many From Firecrackers

Over 300 individuals suffered burn injuries during Diwali celebrations on October 19 and 20, 2025, overwhelming major hospitals in New Delhi, with firecrackers cited as the primary cause in most cases. Safdarjung Hospital, home to the country's largest burn unit, reported the highest tally of 129 patients, underscoring the festival's hazardous traditions amid ongoing safety campaigns. Other facilities, including the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital, Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) Hospital, and Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital, collectively treated 188 additional cases, many involving children and requiring surgical interventions. Health officials emphasised that while most injuries were minor, the spike highlights the need for stricter enforcement of firecracker bans and public awareness to prevent future escalations.

At Safdarjung Hospital, 118 of the 129 cases stemmed from firecrackers, with 11 linked to diyas—traditional earthen lamps—resulting in burns ranging from superficial to severe. Dr Sujata Sarabhai, Head of Burns, Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, noted that 111 patients received outpatient treatment for minor injuries, while 18 with major burns were admitted. Among them, 117 hailed from Delhi, nine underwent surgery, and 24 were children under 12 years old.

The hospital's 50-bed burn unit, equipped for advanced care like skin grafting and infection control, operated at near capacity, reflecting its role as a regional hub for such emergencies. This year's figures represent a 15% increase from 2024, despite Supreme Court guidelines limiting firecracker use to "green" variants.

AIIMS reported 110 burn cases in the same 48-hour window, with Dr Maneesh Singhal, Head of Plastic, Reconstructive and Burns Surgery, detailing 60 Diwali-specific incidents: 45 from firecrackers, five from diyas, and nine from chemical burns involving potash. Ten patients with extensive injuries were admitted to the ICU, and 23 required surgical procedures, including debridement and reconstruction.

Notably, eight children under 12 were affected, including a four-month-old infant—the youngest victim—highlighting vulnerabilities among the young during festivities. Beyond burns, the RP Centre at AIIMS handled 50 eye injuries from bursting crackers and lamps, often leading to corneal abrasions or temporary vision loss, further straining resources.

Also Read: #BreakingNews: Rohit Godara Gang Claims Responsibility for Shooting Teji Kahlon in Canada

GTB Hospital in East Delhi logged 56 cases, with seven patients still under observation but none in critical condition, while DDU Hospital treated 16, and LNJP managed 15, primarily minor except for one facial burn at the latter. Officials across these public facilities, all under the Delhi government or central administration, reported a common thread: impulsive use of high-decibel fireworks in densely populated areas, exacerbated by lax community vigilance.

As Diwali symbolises light over darkness, this year's injury toll—potentially higher with pending reports from private clinics—serves as a stark reminder of the festival's dual edge. Authorities urge adopting eco-friendly alternatives like laser shows and community events, while hospitals prepare for post-festival follow-ups to mitigate long-term scars, both physical and psychological.

Also Read: India, Russia Tackle Non-Tariff Barriers Ahead of Proposed FTA