Mumbai: Flowerpots caused majority of injuries during Diwali

It looks harmless but has left quite a few unforgettable marks this Diwali. Flowerpots, or ‘anar', caused majority of the injuries this time, said doctors at the National Burns Centre in Airoli.

Eight out of every 10 burn cases were caused by ‘anar' firecrackers

All cases of burn injuries were caused by the same cracker that shoots out colourful sparks and flames once ignited, doctors added.

Rather than amusing people by shooting sparks, the cracker itself exploded causing burn injuries up to 7-8%. Out of 11 such cases in the last two days, two women suffered 40% burns.

Dr Sunil Keswani, cosmetic surgeon and head of National Burns Centre in Airoli, said, "Every year, majority of the burn injury cases during Diwali are caused by the explosion of ‘anar'. Eight out of every 10 such cases were caused by ‘anar' firecracker. This year too, out of the 11 cases, nine patients have been injured by it."

Injuries
All the children are between the age group of 4-9 years and have received burn injuries up to 7-8% on their face and hands, Keswani added.

A 50-year-old woman sustained 35% burns after a firecracker exploded and burned her back, thighs and chest.

Further, another 45-year-old woman suffered 60% burns after her clothes touched a Diwali lamp.

"Both the patients are critical," Keswani said.

Similarly, 8-year-old Anagha (name changed on request), a resident of Mulund, sustained 29% burns after her clothes caught fire while playing with firecrackers and is currently being treated at the hospital.

"People still do not take precautionary measures while playing with firecrackers. One should always keep a bucket of water nearby while lighting crackers. Water is the best medicine to bring down the burning sensation in case of an injury," Keswani added.

The burns centre at Airoli will hold a free surgery camp for burn survivors on November 21 and 22.