At least 32 people with firecracker-related eye injuries sought treatment at Hyderabad’s state-run Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital during Diwali celebrations on November 8, 2026, hospital officials said. Six patients, including four children and two adults, were admitted, while the remaining 26 were treated with medication and asked to return for follow-up.
One patient completely lost vision in the right eye. Meanwhile, multiple fires were reported across Hyderabad and Secunderabad, including at a firecracker shop and warehouses. Firecrackers and suspected electrical short circuits were among the possible causes reported, although the exact cause of some incidents remains under investigation.
Six Patients Admitted
Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital’s Resident Medical Officer, Dr Ibrahim, said 32 people arrived with eye injuries linked to firecrackers. Six required admission, including four children and two adults. The other 26 patients were given medication and advised to return for follow-up treatment.
One patient suffered such severe injury that they completely lost vision in the right eye. The cases underline the potentially serious consequences of fireworks-related eye injuries, which can range from surface damage to permanent loss of sight.
Hospital Had Prepared
The 550-bed government hospital in Mehdipatnam had anticipated a possible rise in firecracker-related injuries and kept 20 beds ready for such cases ahead of Diwali. Teams of doctors, nurses, support staff and ambulance drivers were placed on standby, while ambulances were stationed in districts to transport emergency patients to Hyderabad.
Hospital superintendent Dr P Modini said the facility had treated 116 and 115 patients with cracker-related injuries during the previous two Diwali seasons, highlighting the recurring nature of such incidents during the festival.
Multiple Fires Reported
Fire and emergency services were also kept busy as several fires were reported across Hyderabad and Secunderabad on November 8. In Sitaphalmandi, Secunderabad, a rocket reportedly entered a firecracker shop, triggering explosions among the fireworks stored inside. People nearby moved away as firefighters brought the blaze under control, while police began investigating the incident.
A separate major fire broke out at a plastic godown in Mailardevpally Industrial Estate and spread to an adjoining plywood godown. Three fire engines were deployed and police helped evacuate people from the premises. The cause of the Mailardevpally fire had not been established at the time of reporting.
More Incidents Followed
Other reported fires included a blaze at a medical warehouse in Old Bowenpally and another at Balaji Medical Shop in Bandimet, Secunderabad. Smaller fires at garbage dumps were also attended by fire personnel. In a separate incident, a fire broke out at a firecracker shop in Chilkalguda at around 11:40 am.
Maula Ali Station Fire Officer Krishna said shop owners told officials they had lit a diya for prayers and that a short circuit occurred around the same time. One fire engine was deployed and no injuries were reported. Importantly, this account reflects what the shop owners told officials; it does not establish that a short circuit was conclusively responsible for the blaze.
Fire Services On Alert
The incidents came after the Telangana State Disaster Response and Fire Services Department had stepped up preparations for Diwali. Fire personnel and emergency response teams were placed on round-the-clock alert, while fire tenders and rapid-response vehicles were positioned at vulnerable locations, including markets, industrial areas and clusters of firecracker shops.
The department had identified areas with a history of fire incidents as part of its preparedness plan and cancelled leave for staff handling emergency calls.
Doctors Urge Caution
Ophthalmologists had warned ahead of Diwali that firecracker injuries could range from minor irritation and surface abrasions to serious corneal damage, bleeding inside the eye, retinal injuries and permanent vision loss.
Dr Navya Cherukuri of LVPEI’s Kallam Anji Reddy campus advised people not to rub or put pressure on an injured eye. If debris enters the eye, it can be gently rinsed with clean water, but attempts to remove embedded material at home should be avoided. Medical attention should be sought as quickly as possible, even when an injury initially appears minor.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Diwali is a festival centred on light, hope and togetherness, but celebrations should never come at the cost of someone’s health or safety. The Hyderabad incidents show why responsible celebrations matter — particularly when children are involved and fireworks are being used near homes, shops and other crowded spaces.
Fireworks can remain part of festive traditions while being used with greater care, supervision and consideration for neighbours, emergency workers and those vulnerable to injury or smoke. How can we make festive celebrations safer while preserving the joy, togetherness and spirit of Diwali for everyone?
