Diwali firecracker accidents injure 679 in Tamil Nadu, 110 still hospitalised
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Firecracker-related accidents during Deepavali celebrations injured 679 people across Tamil Nadu on Sunday, 9 November 2025, with 110 victims continuing to receive treatment at hospitals across the state, according to figures released by the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services Department on Monday. The injuries spanned men, women, and a significant number of children.
Scale of the Injuries
Of the 679 people who sought medical attention, 569 were treated and subsequently discharged. Among those discharged were 329 men, 42 women, and 198 children. The remaining 110 patients — comprising 86 men, 9 women, and 15 children — continued to receive care at various hospitals. Authorities have not provided details on the severity of injuries among those still hospitalised.
Emergency Response Across the State
The Fire and Rescue Services Department control room logged 91 emergency calls between Sunday morning and 9 pm. Of these, 54 calls were directly tied to firecracker accidents, while the remaining 37 involved other fire incidents reported from different locations. Fire and rescue personnel remained on standby throughout the festival to contain incidents before they escalated.
Celebrations Despite Adverse Weather
Diwali was celebrated with considerable enthusiasm across Tamil Nadu despite widespread rainfall in several parts of the state. Residents dressed in new clothes, exchanged greetings, and burst firecrackers with family members. Hospitals had made advance arrangements to treat burn injuries and firecracker-related wounds in anticipation of the festival.
Children Among the Most Affected
A substantial number of minors were among those injured — 198 children were treated and discharged, while 15 children remained under medical supervision. This comes amid recurring public safety concerns around children handling firecrackers during large-scale festive gatherings. Notably, this pattern of child injuries during Deepavali has been reported across multiple states in previous years, prompting periodic calls from health authorities for stricter parental supervision and safer alternatives to conventional firecrackers.
What Happens Next
The Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services Department has not yet indicated whether a detailed post-festival safety review or advisory will follow. The volume of emergency calls and hospitalisations is likely to renew discussions around firecracker safety regulations in the state. All eyes will be on whether authorities issue formal guidance ahead of future celebrations.