Tue Oct 21 19:20:45 UTC 2025: Summary:

During Deepavali in Tamil Nadu, the 108 emergency response network experienced a significant surge in cases compared to a regular day. Fire/burn injuries jumped by approximately 900%, assaults quadrupled, and vehicular trauma more than tripled. Chennai’s ambulance hotspots saw a slight increase in overall emergencies. Hospitals, like Government Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital and Sankara Nethralaya, treated numerous patients for burn and eye injuries, particularly among children, often caused by relighting used crackers.

News Article:

Deepavali Celebrations Marred by Spike in Emergency Cases Across Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI, October 22, 2025 – Deepavali celebrations in Tamil Nadu were overshadowed by a dramatic increase in emergency incidents, placing significant strain on the state’s healthcare system. The 108 emergency response network reported a 48% surge in call volume compared to a typical day, handling a total of 7,463 cases.

The most alarming increase was seen in fire and burn injuries, which skyrocketed by 900% compared to the daily average, with 261 individuals requiring treatment. Assaults also spiked, more than quadrupling to 808 cases. Vehicular trauma emergencies tripled, rising to 2,578 incidents.

Chennai, a major urban center, experienced a slight increase in overall emergencies, with 351 cases compared to 331 last year. Specific hotspots included Maduravoyal, Koyambedu bus stand, and Anna Salai.

Hospitals across the state were inundated with patients seeking treatment for burn and eye injuries, particularly children. Government Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital reported a full men’s ward dedicated to burn victims, many of whom sustained injuries to the face and hands. Dr. M. Kavitha, Dean of the hospital, emphasized the importance of parental supervision, warning against children relighting used or fizzled-out crackers.

Sankara Nethralaya, a leading eye hospital, treated 25 patients for cracker-related eye injuries, with two requiring corneal wound exploration surgery.

Health officials are urging caution during future celebrations, stressing the importance of responsible firework usage and vigilant supervision of children to prevent avoidable accidents and injuries.

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