Fireworks

Crackers and casualties: Firework accidents kill hundreds each year

A Diwali-day explosion in Chennai killed four as illegal firecracker storage triggered a blast, highlighting India's recurring festive firework tragedies

Green crackers: Are they really a cleaner, healthier and safer choice?

Despite claims of lower emissions and noise, green crackers continue to release harmful ultrafine particles and stress the heart and lungs, experts caution.

Cracking pollution: Green fireworks are not India's long-term solution

Burning crackers during the paroxysms of celebrations that erupt during Diwali and continue after the festival add significantly to the pungent particulate matter in the air

July Fourth sees shootings in US cities, fireworks death in Massachusetts

This year's Fourth of July holiday was marked by multiple shootings across the US, including one in Indianapolis that left at least two dead and a police chief voicing public frustration over the latest acts of violence in his city. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Chief Chris Bailey told reporters early Saturday morning that the mayhem was completely unacceptable and unnecessary and that parents and guardians needed to better control their children. Hundreds of unsupervised kids down here, he said, while speaking in the city's downtown area. I don't know how many times I had to say it: We are not your children's keepers. You are! And parents and guardians have got to step up. A kid is dead tonight. Mass shootings were reported in other cities, including Philadelphia and Chicago and Brockton, Mass., where six people were hospitalised following an early morning fight on Saturday. Violence and shootings often surge in the summer months, especially around the Fourth of July, historica

Denial of permission for fireworks display in Thrissur temples sparks row

The district administration's denial of permission for the fireworks display during 'Vela Ezunnallippu', a traditional ritual, at the famed Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady temples here has sparked a row with the shrine managements viewing it as a "test dose" to destroy the iconic Thrissur Pooram. The Additional District Magistrate (ADM) here on Friday issued an order denying permission for the fireworks display in connection with the annual ritual citing the new amendment to the union government's Explosive Rules and based on reports of various state government departments in accordance with that. The Vela Ezunnallippu ritual and the related fireworks display of the two temples are scheduled in January first week. In the order, the district administration stated that there is no physical circumstance to carry out the fireworks display in the area and it may pose a threat to the life and property of the public. The opinion of concerned investigating officers that the fireworks should n

Fireworks ban: Sellers refuse to let their business bomb this Diwali

Several states have imposed formal restrictions ranging from limiting hours to manufacturing, storage, sale, and use

Kerala fireworks accident: Over 150 injured, 8 critical at temple festival in Kerala's Kasaragod

Over 150 people were injured, including eight in critical condition, in a fireworks accident during a temple festival in Kerala's Kasaragod on Monday.

150 injured, 8 critical in fireworks mishap during Kerala temple festival

A fireworks accident at a Kerala temple festival left over 150 injured, with eight critically hurt; authorities suspect the fire started at a nearby storage facility; investigation underway

4 persons killed in explosion at firecracker factory in Tamil Nadu

Fire tenders reached the spot immediately after receiving information about the incident and extinguished the fire

10 people, including 4 women killed in mishap in TN fireworks factory

Ten people including four women were killed in an explosion at a fireworks factory in this district on Saturday. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin directed two state ministers to coordinate the rescue and relief activities. The Chief Minister said a sudden explosion in a firecracker manufacturing unit in Kundayiruppu village in Vembakottai resulted in the death of ten people - six men and four women. He has directed State Revenue Minister K K S S R Ramachandran and Labour Minister C V Ganesan to immediately rush to the spot and ensure rescue and relief activities, an official release here said. Expressing anguish over the accident, the Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families. He has ordered a solatium of Rs 3 lakh each to the kin of the deceased and Rs one lakh to the grievously injured. The mishap occurred around 12.30 pm on Saturday in the chemical mixing room of the firecracker making unit in the village. "Initially 9 persons

Italian ambassador's wife injured in fireworks, FIR against Goa hotel owner

The Goa Police has booked the owner of a resort after the wife of the Italian ambassador to India suffered a head injury due to fireworks set off from the beach-facing facility, an officer said on Saturday. The incident occurred on January 1 during the New Year celebrations at Ashvem beach in North Goa. "Police registered an FIR on Friday (February 2) after Honorary Vice Consul of Italy in Goa, Shrinivas Dempo, lodged a complaint. The case was registered under section 338 (Causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code," the police officer said. The accused rashly and negligently allowed the launching of fireworks from the premises of the resort. Paola Ferri, wife of Vincenzo de Luca, the Ambassador of Italy to India and Nepal, suffered a head injury after she was struck by fireworks, as per the FIR. "We will record a statement of the victim and initiate further process. We are yet to arrest the owner of the resort," the officer

Fireworks factory explodes in Thailand, at least 23 people killed

The cause of the explosion is being investigated. The blast came less than a month before Chinese New Year in February, when demand for fireworks is strong

Watch: Truck carrying fireworks to Ayodhya catches fire in UP's Unnao

The truck loaded with fireworks was on its way to Ayodhya for the Ram mandir consecration ceremony

2 arrested, many evacuated from apartment fire possibly caused by fireworks

Two people have been arrested in connection with a fire that damaged an Atlanta apartment complex and led to more than a hundred evacuations. Atlanta news outlets reported that the fire happened Friday night. Firefighters were still on the scene Saturday putting out hotspots. Investigators believe the fire may have been caused by fireworks being ignited on the roof, police said. Seventeen people were treated for smoke inhalation as a result of the blaze at the Reserve at LaVista Walk apartments. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the Red Cross is assisting 28 displaced residents. The two suspects face charges of first-degree criminal damage to property and reckless conduct. An Atlanta police officer was among the apartment building's residents. He lost all of his belongings, police chief Darin Schierbaum told WSB-TV.

No fireworks in Delhi, Mumbai during World Cup matches as pollution worsens

The BCCI has banned the display of fireworks during the remaining World Cup games in Delhi and Mumbai due to worsening air quality in the two mega cities. Delhi has only one match left to host, the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka game on November 6, while Mumbai are scheduled to host two more league games, on November 2 and November 7, and the semifinal on November 15. BCCI is sensitive to environmental concerns. I took up the matter formally with the ICC and there won't be any fireworks display in Mumbai, which can add to the pollution level," said BCCI secretary Jay Shah in a statement on Wednesday. "The Board is committed to combating environmental issues and will always place the interest of our fans and stakeholders at the forefront. The BCCI acknowledges the urgent concern surrounding air quality in both Mumbai and New Delhi. "While we strive to host the ICC World Cup in a manner befitting the celebration of cricket, we remain steadfast in our commitment to prioritising the health and .

France implements fireworks ban for Bastille Day celebration after riots

The ban does not extend to professionals or municipalities organising traditional fireworks displays for France's national day

100 firms likely to start producing green fireworks soon in West Bengal

An organisation of fireworks manufacturers in West Bengal on Wednesday said around 100 member-units will soon commence producing 'green fireworks' conforming to safety guidelines prescribed by National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) at special clusters coming up in South 24 Parganas district. Prabesh Atasbaji Byabasayee Samity (PABS) Secretary Sukhdeb Naskar told PTI, the association had discussions with officials of the environment department, fire services department, West Bengal Pollution Control Board and police in this regard. The guidelines prescribe ensuring a below-90 decibel sound and lower emission of harmful chemicals and have been formulating after several court judgements. While 20 fireworks makers have already received approval from NEERI as well as license from the environment ministry for manufacturing green fireworks conforming to the norms, at least 80 others have been given training in technology needed to produce green fireworks. "These 80

No fireworks for Israeli Independence Day celebrations over PTSD concerns

Israel marks 74 years since its creation on Thursday, and festivities begin the night before

Doubts on Sivakasi cracker unit safety rise as 3 more die in latest mishap

Seven casualties in five days, several more injured; experts cry foul over flouting of rules

Sivakasi, fireworks hub keeps fingers crossed as Delhi bans bangers

Days ago, the Delhi government banned sale, use, storage of firecrackers for the festival of lights over pollution concerns