Daijiworld Media Network - Vasai

Vasai, Nov 11: A 21-year-old man suffered serious injuries and received 72 stitches on his hand after a firecracker exploded in his palm while he was attempting to shoot a social media reel during Diwali celebrations in Vasai-Virar on Sunday.

The victim, identified as Vineet Kumar, works as a labour contractor in the Madhuban building area. In an attempt to create a unique video for social media, he tried to light a sky shot cracker, which is designed to be launched into the air, while holding it in his hand.

However, the firecracker exploded in his palm instead of shooting skywards, leaving his hand badly burnt and severely damaged.

His panicked family members rushed him to a hospital. Two hospitals reportedly refused to admit him initially, following which he was taken to Appasaheb Thorat Hospital in Vasai West.

Doctors operated on Kumar for nearly four to five hours, during which he received 72 stitches as part of a complex procedure.

Dr Pravin Thorat said Kumar's condition was stable following plastic surgery performed under the supervision of specialist doctors. He also urged youngsters to avoid dangerous practices while bursting firecrackers during Diwali celebrations.