Gujarat's Makar Sankranti celebrations: Around 60 people hurt by kite strings

An official reported that around 60 persons were injured in kite-flying incidents during the first few hours of Uttarayan celebrations in Gujarat on Friday.

According to the report, until 12 p.m., the "108" emergency ambulance service sent 63 persons, largely road commuters, to neighbouring hospitals after they incurred wounds to their necks and faces as a result of kite strings dangling dangerously in public locations.

So far today, no deaths have been reported in kite-flying mishaps, according to the official.

According to a press release from the ambulance services, 21 cases of kite string injuries were reported from Ahmedabad alone, followed by seven cases each from Vadodara and Rajkot districts.

It was reported that the 108 ambulance service got 1,203 emergency calls by noon, which was greater than the previous year's total of 1,043 calls.

Apart from accidents caused by kite strings, 69 people fell from their terraces or from a height around the state, mostly while flying or catching kites, according to the announcement.