The Burns Emergency at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) and Safdarjung Hospital encountered a combined 135 cases of burn injuries on November 7 and 8, which were mainly caused by firecrackers.
Safdarjung Hospital data indicates that 129 of the cases reported were due to firecracker related incidents and six patients suffered burns from diya.
A large proportion of them were injured during the festive period and involved were children. In all there were 35 children admitted to the OPD with injuries caused by firecrackers and one child admitted to hospital.
The hospital had set aside 20 beds in anticipation of disease to meet the needs of patients admitted for burn injuries for the Diwali season. These beds are being used by seven patients with burns caused by “Diwali”.
Delhi Fire Services (DFS) meanwhile recorded seven major fire incidents during the Diwali across the national capital. These represented a number of factories, a godown, a banquet hall, a residential building and a shop. Additionally, five firefighters themselves were hurt while dispatching to emergency calls.
There was a higher number of emergency calls during evenings and nights when Diwali activities are traditionally at their peak and firecrackers are traditionally used.
Apart from fire-related emergencies, Delhi saw a sudden drop in Air Quality (AQI) after the celebrations as well. The part of the national capital area covered by smoke aggravated the pollution situation and moved up to severe grade at several locations.
AIRNow data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) through its Sameer application showed that the overall Air Quality Index in Delhi is 373 at 11.05 pm on Sunday.