Tamil Nadu warns against hand-held aerial firecrackers on Diwali, cites risk of fatal injuries

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has issued a safety warning against hand-held aerial firecrackers on Diwali, cautioning that their use could lead to serious injuries, including permanent disability and death.

In a press release on Sunday, the state government said it had received reports from volunteers and journalists about a new variety of sky-shot crackers designed to be held in the hand during ignition.

The government warned that lighting these fireworks without placing them on the ground could cause severe burns to the face, head and hands. Possible injuries include loss of fingers, permanent damage to the eyes, and other potentially fatal consequences.

It urged people to avoid purchasing or using such firecrackers and specifically asked parents to ensure that children do not handle them under any circumstances.

The advisory also warns against handling high-explosive fireworks, rockets, and other aerial crackers while lighting them. Place these on the ground before ignition, with people maintaining a safe distance, it said.

The government has also asked the public not to attempt to relight firecrackers that fail to explode, as doing so could lead to accidents.

Safety precautions for Diwali

The advisory includes several precautions to reduce the risk of firecracker-related injuries:

• Place firecrackers on the ground before lighting them.
• Maintain a safe distance after ignition.
• Never attempt to relight unexploded crackers.
• Ensure children burst crackers only under the supervision of parents or other adults.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby as a precaution.The government has appealed to residents to follow these instructions and avoid potentially dangerous fireworks to ensure a safe Diwali.