THERE WERE a total of 5,406 emergencies reported on Diwali Day, which was a 12.06 per cent spike compared to normal days, said GVK-EMRI, the emergency ambulance services in Gujarat, on Tuesday.

There was a major spike – 73.18 per cent – in road accidents, with 919 emergencies on October 20 as reported compared to the normal daily average of 529 cases.

Cases of non-vehicular trauma increased by 75.73 per cent as compared to last year, with 862 emergencies against the normal average of 491 cases, a statement said.

There was a minor rise – 4.82 per cent – in patients suffering breathing problems, indicating environmental and pollution-related health impacts during the festive period.

Among the major cities of Gujarat, the highest surge of emergency medical cases was reported in Surat (8

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