Over 1,600 injured while bursting crackers across Tamil Nadu over two days

The TNFRS received more than 200 emergency calls during the two days, including 195 calls concerning fires caused by firecrackers. | Photo Credit: B. VELANKANNI RAJ A total of 1,654 people sustained injuries while bursting firecrackers across Tamil Nadu on Sunday and Monday. Of them, 1,450 were treated as outpatients, while 204 required hospitalisation, according to data compiled by the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services (TNFRS).The TNFRS received more than 200 emergency calls during the two days, including 195 calls concerning fires caused by firecrackers.Fire and Rescue Services officials said the number of emergency calls was considerably lower than in previous years, attributing the decline to rainfall and awareness campaigns on the safe use of firecrackers.G. Sathiyanarayanan, Additional Director of TNFRS, said the number of emergency calls and injuries reported in the Northern Region was relatively low.The arrangements covered four fire service districts — Chennai South, Chennai North, Chennai Central and Chennai Suburban — with special focus on densely populated residential neighbourhoods, commercial establishments, fireworks outlets, crowded market streets and other vulnerable locations, he added.Meanwhile, a house was gutted after a rocket firework burst by children during celebrations flew into it and exploded at Sriperumbudur in Kancheepuram district on Sunday evening. The fire destroyed household articles, including a sofa set, an air-conditioner and a cupboard. No one was injured.In another incident, a car and four motorcycles were destroyed after sparks from firecrackers burst by children triggered a fire in the parking area of a private apartment complex in Poonamallee near Chennai on Sunday.In Adambakkam, a car and two motorcycles were gutted after firecrackers fell on the parked vehicles and triggered a blaze. Published - November 09, 2026 07:57 pm IST