The injuries came from separate incidents across the district as people burst firecrackers through the evening. Patients of different age groups, from children to elderly people, were brought to the hospital for treatment, and the emergency ward saw a rush of cases late into the night.
Hospital receives 35 to 40 patients
Dr Rajesh Mishra at the district hospital said the hospital had received a significant number of cases involving burns from gunpowder and firecrackers. He said the patients included people of various ages, from children to the elderly, and all were undergoing treatment. The total so far is about 35 to 40 patients, Dr Mishra said. Some patients have been discharged after initial first aid was given. Most of the injured were being treated for minor to moderate burns, while a few with serious injuries were referred for specialised care.
Lack of caution blamed
Dr Mishra said the incidents often stemmed from a lack of caution, either by the children themselves or their parents, while bursting firecrackers. The warning comes after a series of similar incidents across the country during Diwali, with hospitals in several states reporting a rush of burn and eye injury cases. The Chhatarpur cases were separate incidents rather than a single accident. The pattern of injuries, with children among the worst affected, has raised fresh questions about supervision and safety during the festival.
Chief Minister had warned officials
On 5 November, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav held a virtual meeting with Collectors and Superintendents of Police at CM House, directing officials to ensure foolproof law and order arrangements for peaceful Diwali celebrations. The Chief Minister also directed officials to strictly prevent the use of banned firecrackers, carbide guns and carbide lamps, citing their harmful effects on human health. He urged people to celebrate Diwali with joy and enthusiasm while ensuring that no unlawful or anti-social activities take place, and asked the administration to remain on high alert throughout the festive period.
A wider pattern across the country
The Chhatarpur injuries were part of a wider pattern of firecracker accidents on Diwali night. Hospitals in Hyderabad reported at least 32 people, mostly children, seeking treatment for eye injuries, and fire incidents were reported in several other states. The numbers underline the scale of the safety problem during the festival. Despite warnings and restrictions on banned items, the combination of firecrackers and crowds continues to produce a heavy toll of injuries every year.
