Bengaluru, Nov. 11 -- Bengaluru has witnessed a worrying surge in firecracker-related injuries during this year's Diwali celebrations, with cases reported at major eye hospitals crossing 150. In a disturbing trend, several victims were not those bursting crackers but innocent bystanders who were struck by flying sparks and exploding fireworks.

More than 40 bystanders have reportedly suffered eye injuries while walking on roads, standing outside their homes or watching the celebrations. Rockets and sparks from crackers burst by others hit people who were nowhere near the fireworks, turning festive moments into medical emergencies.

Children have also figured prominently among the injured. A 12-year-old boy from Doddaballapur sustained ser...