Diwali Fires Turn Deadly: 3 Die in Firecracker Mishaps

Diwali festivities across India were tragically overshadowed by numerous fire incidents and accidents related to firecrackers. These events led to fatalities, injuries, and substantial damage to shops, homes, and commercial properties in cities spanning Rajasthan, Delhi, Pune, Nagpur, Jammu, Mumbai, Gangtok, and Uttar Pradesh.

In Rajasthan's Pali district, a fire at a firecracker shop resulted in two deaths and three missing individuals, with preliminary reports suggesting sparks from fireworks ignited the blaze. Delhi witnessed the death of a 10-year-old boy struck by a rocket firecracker. Pune reported an exceptionally high number of 63 fire incidents, all linked to firecrackers, though no casualties were recorded there.

Further incidents included a fire at a showroom in Nagpur that destroyed several two-wheelers, a government quarter blaze in Gangtok possibly caused by firecrackers, and a scrap shop fire in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, where the owner alleged arson. Jammu's Nehru Market suffered significant damage with at least a dozen shops gutted.

Mumbai also experienced multiple fires, including a major blaze in Dongri that engulfed shops and hutments. A separate fire in a high-rise building in Lokhandwala claimed one life. Firefighting operations were a significant focus across all affected areas, with emergency services working to control blazes and evacuate residents.