Diwali was celebrated with enthusiasm and zest by Indians in the country and across the world. The festival of fire crackers did more damage to property in the US when Indians marked the festival with over enthusiasm. For the first time, locals in the foreign countries, particularly the US, criticized Indians for putting in extra energy and going overboard in bursting the crackers that led to damage, than give joy to the onlookers.
There have been reports of mishaps, wounds that occurred during the celebration of the festival in the US. Reportedly, Indians went overboard and played with the firecrackers beyond midnight in New York and New Jersey which led to serious damage, drawing severe criticism. Videos of the damage cause due to the crackers are being widely shared on X.
At Queens in New York, three houses in Lincoln Street were completely damaged due to the fireworks. Two persons also suffered injuries. Officials said that Indians celebrated the festival during midnight, which actually is not permitted by the rules. CCTV footage shows the fireworks lifting into the air and then entering into a house, subsequently resulting in spreading of flames in the place.
In New Jersey’s Edison, there are reports that officials received as many as 40 emergency calls. Despite being cautioned by the neighbours, Indians paid little heed and continued with their celebrations following which there were complaints from locals about disturbance to their sleep. On receiving a complaint of fire due to the crackers, the fire officials rushed to the area, and doused the flames.
There are videos of several Americans rushing out of their houses when firecrackers damaged their houses and even caused fire mishaps. In a few cases, houses were completely gutted. In one of the videos, an American woman is seen complaining that they have just ran out of the house after flames erupted in one of the rooms, due to crackers. “My son was not even wearing his clothes properly. We are now living in a hotel room,” she rued.
There are several videos on X showing fire officials rushing to the affected places and also using water jets to douse the flames. Some netizens pointed out that expats created ruckus, nuisance and acted without lack of civic sense.