Bystander Injury

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time of celebration and joy, and, for many, the bursting of firecrackers. Amidst the sparkle and sound, hospitals and clinics brace for an annual surge in firecracker injuries. As an eye doctor, I have witnessed and treated many firecracker injuries, some severe and blinding and some that even involved both the eyes; most being in young people with a whole life ahead of them. There is however a peculiar category of patients that has always intrigued me. These patients come in, not because they lit the fireworks, but simply because they were passive onlookers nearby. These “bystander injuries” as we call them are particularly heartbreaking; people who took no active part in lighting the firecrackers are left with sometimes irreparable damage, impacting their sight, their health, and the quality of their lives.

Bystander injury during festivals is a gentle reminder that, in life too, we might get hurt not because of what we did directly, but because of something someone else did. These injuries are an unfortunate reminder of how vulnerable we can be to situations beyond our control. It is often said that the individual who lit the cracker is “unaccountable” because they did not intend to harm the bystander. But can this truly absolve them of responsibility? And what about the bystander—can they too be held accountable for their position, for choosing to be present in the potential blast zone?

The one who chose to ignite the crackers may have intended nothing but fun, celebration, or even tradition. They however know, at least on some level, that it has the potential to harm, both themselves and others. Meanwhile, the bystander may have been there to witness the excitement, or perhaps out of a sense of social duty, or simply an innocent lack of anticipation for any risk at all. And yet, the bystander, especially if they were aware of the dangers of firecrackers, might bear some responsibility for the choices that led them to that spot.

Life presents countless scenarios where we may become bystanders to events that leave us “injured” in various ways. Physically, emotionally, financially, and mentally, we may end up bearing the brunt of another’s choices and actions—accidentally or otherwise. Relationships can unravel, careers can take sudden turns, and lives can be altered. For example, in a relationship, one partner’s decision to leave may result in the emotional pain and upheaval for the other. Or, at work, the choices of a higher-up, say, to downsize a company or change a project’s direction might result in unintended consequences for the employees who had no say in the matter. These kinds of “bystander injuries” leave us hurt, blindsided, and often without a direct source to blame. In these scenarios, the harm experienced by the bystander is no less real or valid simply because they did not actively participate in the decision.

The analogy of the firecracker makes it clear: while there are moments we find ourselves as passive victims, there are also times we consciously take on risks. We sometimes position ourselves in situations where harm is a possibility, whether through love, ambition, duty, or sheer habit. In these cases, while we may feel like passive bystanders, a deeper reflection reveals that we had a choice, even if that choice felt small or hidden. In life, as with firecrackers, accountability is rarely simple.

For those who have been “bystanders” to harm, the journey to healing often begins with recognizing the limits of our control and understanding the motivations behind our actions. Did we enter the situation with blind trust? Were we motivated by hope or by a belief that we could handle whatever came our way? Reflecting on these choices can offer insight, even as it reveals the vulnerability inherent in living alongside others. Likewise, for those who have inadvertently “lit the firecracker,” there is value in recognizing that our actions, however well-intended, may carry unintended consequences. Taking responsibility for the impact of our choices, whether on close relationships or the broader world, is an essential part of moving through life thoughtfully and with care.

Bystander injuries, whether they occur during festivals or in the course of everyday life, remind us of the interconnected nature of our lives. We affect one another, even when we do not intend to. The only path to true accountability is through awareness: understanding the risks, examining our motivations, and taking responsibility for our choices. And while not every bystander injury is avoidable, a deeper reflection on our presence, our position, and our intentions can help us navigate life’s celebrations and challenges with a little more safety, empathy, and wisdom.