Diwali celebrations marred by fire incidents in Mohali

Around 15 patients, including nine children, were treated for burn injuries at the Phase 6 Civil Hospital on Diwali night.

Additionally, a total of six women (five middle-aged) received treatment for minor burns. Fortunately, no major injuries were reported.

In Dera Bassi, 23 patients sought treatment for burn injuries at the Sub-Divisional Hospital and nine arrived at the Dhakoli Community Health Centre (CHC). Doctors said most injuries occurred on the hands while bursting the ‘anaar’ firecracker. They said all patients were sent home after receiving medical care.

Clash over crackers leaves 2 injured

Two members of a family were injured in Zirakpur after a group of unidentified individuals attacked them following a dispute over fireworks in the Gazipur area. House owner Balwinder Singh said despite multiple calls for help, the police arrived an hour later. The police said they have recorded statements from the victims and have begun an investigation into the matter

Residents of Mohali celebrated Diwali enthusiastically, with fireworks starting around 6 pm and continuing well past 11.30 pm. However, the night was not without incidents; five fire cases were reported in Zirakpur and six in Dera Bassi. A flat in Alpine Society on the Chandigarh-Ambala National Highway (NH) was damaged by a fire caused by an earthen lamp and a scrap dealer’s shop in Issapur was gutted. The remaining fires occurred in vacant spaces but were quickly extinguished by firefighters.

Two members of a family were injured in Zirakpur after a group of unidentified individuals attacked them following a dispute over fireworks in the Gazipur area. Sanjeev, Gorav and Karan were assaulted with rods and sticks after a passerby called in his friends to confront them.

House owner Balwinder Singh said despite multiple calls for help, the police arrived an hour later. The police said they have recorded statements from the victims and have begun an investigation into the matter.

Additionally, two girls sustained eye injuries due to firecrackers, including a 7-year-old, Sandhya in Mohali.

Fire safety measures

Mohali Assistant Divisional Fire Officer Amarinderpal Sandhu stated six fire tenders were deployed across the city on Diwali.

He said fortunately, no major fires were reported in key areas such as Sector 82, Landran-Banur Road, Tangori, Phase 8 cracker market, Phase 11 and Phase 1.

However, six fire incidents were recorded, including a fire in the fields of Tangori caused by fireworks, a car fire in Sector 95 and a fire in an empty plot near Gurdwara Amb Sahib. A tea stall in Sector 66 was also destroyed in fire.

According to the district administration’s orders, firecracker usage on Diwali was permitted from 8 pm to 10 pm. For the forthcoming Gurupurb on November 15, the allowed times would be from 4 am to 5 am and 9 pm to 10 pm.