Delhi Fire Department Sees Record Diwali Emergency Calls, 3 Dead, 12 Injured

Delhi recorded its highest Diwali emergency calls in a decade, with 320 fire incidents leading to three fatalities and twelve injuries. Despite increased fire service deployments, firecracker usage and a potash blast on a bus added to the crisis. The city’s AQI also soared, highlighting health risks and safety challenges.

The Delhi Fire Department recorded an unprecedented 320 emergency fire-related calls on Diwali night, the highest in the last decade. The surge in incidents, which included fires triggered by firecrackers, led to the tragic deaths of three people and injuries to twelve others.

According to Fire Services Director Atul Garg, calls began escalating from 5 pm on Diwali evening, with 192 reported before midnight and an additional 158 incidents by 6 am on November 1. Although no single major fire was reported, the overall volume of emergencies was significant. Increased fire service deployment helped manage the high number of calls, ensuring quicker response times.

One notable incident involved a Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus, where a blast occurred due to a passenger carrying potash—a substance commonly used in firecrackers. The explosion injured two people, prompting firefighters to quickly respond with two tenders to contain the situation.

Delhi’s Diwali celebrations were marked not only by increased fire emergencies but also by rising pollution levels. The capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI) soared above 350 across various regions, including Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri, reaching “very poor” levels and raising health concerns for residents.

Also Read: Post-Diwali Air Quality Worsens in Delhi as Smog and Pollution Levels Surge

Despite government efforts to enforce a firecracker ban, widespread violations contributed to the spike in fires and pollution. This Diwali has underscored the critical need for stricter adherence to safety guidelines to prevent such incidents in the future.