Ahmedabad: Diwali celebrations in Gujarat this year brought light to the skies but also a surge in emergencies across the state. From burns and fire-related accidents to road crashes and citywide fires, the festival’s sparkle turned hazardous for many residents.

Gujarat’s EMRI 108 recorded 5,406 emergency cases over Diwali, a 12% increase compared to normal days last year. Burn cases alone jumped 53%, with Ahmedabad reporting the highest at 17 incidents, followed by Surat (8) and Jamnagar (5). Non-vehicular trauma, including falls and firecracker injuries, rose 76%, from 491 to 862 cases, while physical assaults (391) and falls from heights (291) were among the top incidents.

Road accidents also saw a sharp rise, with vehicular trauma up 74%, from 529 to 919 cases. Two-wheelers were involved in 754 cases, four-wheelers in 77, and three-wheelers in 46. Additionally, 380 calls were logged for breathing difficulties, a 5% rise linked to firecracker smoke and increased pollution.

Officials warned that the festival season typically sees a spike in emergencies, but this year’s surge was steeper than expected. Based on current trends, EMRI 108 anticipates emergency cases to rise 18.24% during New Year and 12.11% on Bhai Beej.

Firefighters face busy Diwali weekend

Fire departments across Gujarat dealt with hundreds of fire-related calls. Ahmedabad reported 122 fire incidents over the Diwali weekend, including a fatal blaze at Mahashakti Textile Mill in Piplaj that claimed the life of 32-year-old worker Narsinh Bhilala. Chief Fire Officer Amit Dongre stated that nearly 90% of fires originated in garbage dumps, with rescue teams working overnight to contain them.

Rajkot’s fire brigade handled 125 calls from Dhanteras to Tuesday morning, deploying over 400 personnel and 28 fire tenders. Major incidents included fires near the old airport and at under-construction high-rises triggered by firecrackers. Surat fire officials responded to 126 calls, with significant incidents at Varachha’s Mini Bazaar and a Limbayat warehouse. Vadodara reported 39 fire incidents in 24 hours, mostly in residential areas.

Despite awareness campaigns, officials noted that careless handling of firecrackers remains a major cause of accidents every Diwali. DeshGujarat