Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi treated 135 Diwali-related burn injury cases at its Burns Emergency Department over 7 and 8 November 2026, hospital officials confirmed on Monday. Of the total, 129 cases were caused by firecracker injuries, while the remaining six involved burns from diyas.

Scale of Injuries Treated

Among those who sought emergency care, 35 children sustained firecracker-related burns and were treated on an outpatient basis at the hospital's OPD. One child required inpatient admission for further medical care. The hospital had pre-emptively reserved 20 beds for Diwali-related burn admissions, of which seven patients remain currently admitted, according to officials.

Child Dies After Firecracker Explosion in Narela

In a separate and fatal incident, a 10-year-old boy died after a firecracker exploded in his hand in Delhi's Narela area on the night of 8 November. According to Delhi Police, the child was bursting a flower-pot firecracker — commonly known as an 'Anar' — outside his house at approximately 9:45 pm when it suddenly exploded, causing severe injuries to his chest. He subsequently died from those injuries.

Hospital's Preparedness and Response

Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital had put contingency arrangements in place ahead of the festive period, anticipating a surge in burn-related admissions. Officials said the institution continues to provide appropriate medical attention to all affected patients. The hospital also reiterated the importance of public awareness, responsible celebrations, and strict adherence to safety precautions to prevent firecracker-related injuries.

A Recurring Concern Around Diwali

The incidents are consistent with a pattern seen across Indian hospitals every Diwali season, with burn units reporting significant spikes in emergency cases involving children. Fire incidents were also reported at multiple locations across the country over the festive period. Health officials and child safety advocates have repeatedly highlighted the heightened risk firecrackers pose to minors, particularly in the absence of adult supervision. This is not an isolated occurrence — hospitals in Delhi and other major cities routinely activate additional capacity in the days surrounding Diwali, underscoring a systemic public health challenge that persists year after year.

As the festive season concludes, attention is expected to turn to whether stricter enforcement of firecracker safety norms — including age restrictions and supervised sale protocols — can be meaningfully implemented ahead of next year's celebrations.