Hyderabad: Diwali firecracker injuries sent 60 people to Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital in Hyderabad, with around 30 children among those affected. Hospital authorities confirmed that all 60 patients had registered as outpatients following accidents involving fireworks.
Several victims suffered serious eye injuries. Initial reports indicated that 13 people had been admitted. However, the latest figures provided by the hospital superintendent put the number of inpatients at 10.
Of these, doctors shifted eight patients to the operation theatre because of severe injuries. In one case, the patient’s eyeball had reportedly come out. Doctors also warned that two admitted patients faced the risk of losing their eyesight.
Diwali firecracker injuries leave children among the worst affected
Children accounted for nearly half of the 60 cases registered so far. Hospital authorities said around 30 children had suffered injuries. Moreover, the accidents affected not only those lighting firecrackers but also pedestrians walking along roads.
Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital was treating patients with eye injuries. Meanwhile, authorities shifted people with burn injuries to Osmania Hospital for further treatment.
Hospital officials expected the number of victims to rise, as people were likely to continue bursting firecrackers during the remaining Diwali celebrations.
Doctors warned that careless handling of fireworks could cause permanent vision loss. Therefore, they urged parents to closely supervise children while they handled firecrackers. They also advised families to keep children away from dangerous fireworks.
In case of an eye injury, doctors stressed the need for immediate hospital treatment without delay.