Asarwa Civil Hospital treated 22 patients with burn injuries within 12 hours of Diwali night, highlighting the risks associated with firecrackers and other fire-related incidents during the festival.
The hospital received the patients between 8 pm on Diwali night and 8 am on Monday. In comparison, only six burn injury cases were reported on Friday and Saturday combined.
Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi said burn cases tend to increase during Diwali. In view of the anticipated rush, the hospital had kept two units of its Burns and Plastic Surgery Department on standby to handle emergencies.
126 fire incidents reported in Ahmedabad
Meanwhile, Ahmedabad recorded 126 fire incidents triggered by firecrackers between 6 pm on Diwali evening and 6 am on Monday. More than 70 emergency calls were received between 10 pm and midnight.
According to officials, most of the fires were caused by sparks from firecrackers landing on open plots, garbage heaps and residential properties. Several incidents resulted in damage to household belongings.