Firecrackers leave 67 with eye injuries in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: At least 67 people, including children, have suffered eye injuries while bursting firecrackers during Diwali celebrations in the city, according to figures available till Monday morning, November 9.

The injured have sought treatment at the state-run Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital in Mehdipatnam, Gandhi Hospital and Osmania General Hospital.

Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital had already received 32 such cases by Sunday, November 8. One of the patients lost vision in his right eye completely.

Hospital Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Dr Ibrahim had said that six of the injured, four of them children, were admitted, while the remaining 26 were given medication and asked to return for follow-up care. Treatment is continuing for the others.

Beds kept ready

Ahead of the festival, the 550-bed hospital had set aside 20 beds for firecracker injury cases and kept teams of doctors, nurses, support staff and ambulance drivers on standby. Ambulances were also stationed in the districts to bring emergency cases to Hyderabad.

Hospital superintendent Dr P Modini had said that the hospital treated 116 and 115 patients with cracker injuries during the previous two Diwali seasons.

Doctors had cautioned that careless handling of firecrackers can cause burns and permanent eye damage. They advised families to keep water and basic first aid ready and to seek medical help immediately in case of eye injuries.

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