Diwali fires kill three in India as blazes and accidents spread across several cities

At least three people died during Diwali celebrations in India after firecracker-related accidents and fires damaged shops, homes and commercial buildings across several cities, India Today reported. The dead included two people killed when a fire gutted three shops near Swarn Mandir in Falna, in Rajasthan’s Pali district, and a 10-year-old boy in outer Delhi who was struck in the stomach by a rocket firecracker while setting off fireworks. The Pali blaze began at about 10pm on Sunday after sparks from firecrackers being burst on the road reached a firecracker shop in a market, according to preliminary information cited by India Today.

One person suffered burn injuries, while three others were reported missing as firefighting and search operations continued. The flames spread to nearby businesses, including a battery shop and a cutlery store. Two scooters, a motorcycle and a bicycle were also destroyed.

Fire tenders were brought from Bali, Sanderao and Rawla, and the injured person was taken to hospital in Pali. In Delhi’s Narela area, the boy died at the scene after the rocket reportedly entered his body. Police took custody of the body and sent it for a post-mortem examination, while an investigation was opened.

Pune recorded 63 fire incidents during Laxmi Pujan. India Today attributed the incidents to firecrackers and said firefighters brought the blazes under control without reported injuries or deaths. The heavy use of fireworks also left a visible haze over the city.

Other fires were reported in Nagpur, where several two-wheelers were destroyed at a TVS showroom; Gangtok, where a government quarter in Forest Colony caught fire; and Thane, where a blaze broke out in the 17-storey Carlyle building. Rescue teams in Thane worked to evacuate residents who might have been trapped, and no injuries had been reported at the time of the report. In Uttar Pradesh’s Banda, a scrap shop was gutted after a fire spread through the material stored inside.

The owner alleged that someone had deliberately thrown firecrackers into the premises and estimated losses at 20m to 25m rupees. Police and administrative officials said they would assist him, but the allegation was not independently established in the supplied report. A fire in Jammu’s Nehru Market damaged at least 12 shops.

The blaze reportedly began around 9.15pm and spread quickly, partly because of edible oil in the affected businesses. The divisional commissioner said it had largely been brought under control. The incidents occurred as millions marked Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, with prayers, family gatherings, lamps and fireworks.

The BBC reported that Delhi was experiencing its most polluted Diwali in a decade. India’s Supreme Court had allowed certified “green” firecrackers in Delhi and nearby areas for a limited period, although critics questioned whether restrictions could be enforced effectively.