Kannur: A 22-day-old baby is in critical condition at a hospital in Kannur after being startled by the sound of high-intensity fireworks during a wedding celebration. The baby, born to K V Ashraf and Rihwana of Payinchal in Kannur, is receiving treatment in the ICU of Aster MIMS Hospital.

Following the delivery, Rihwana and the baby had been staying at their home in Thrippangottur. A wedding celebration was taking place at a neighbouring house. The incident occurred during the events held on Sunday and Monday when loud and powerful fireworks were set off. Ashraf told Mathrubhumi.com that the baby was startled awake by the noise and remained unconscious for about 15 minutes. He added that fireworks were repeatedly set off throughout the day and night.

The celebrations took place on Sunday night after 10 pm when a sudden loud explosion from the fireworks occurred. The baby woke up startled, displaying unusual behaviour and making abnormal noises. The baby remained with its eyes and mouth wide open for about five minutes. After some time, the baby calmed down when its caregivers rubbed its legs and body. A caregiver also noticed that the baby's skin colour had changed.

Early Monday morning, fireworks were set off again, causing an even more intense noise. The baby, startled once more, collapsed suddenly. The baby’s body went limp, its eyes and mouth remained open for about 15 minutes, and its skin colour changed. Foam reportedly came out of the baby’s mouth. The baby regained consciousness after a considerable delay.

The family stated that fireworks were set off again when the wedding party returned after the event, despite the baby's condition being explained to them. The parents rushed the baby to the hospital after noticing its deteriorating condition. The baby’s father, Ashraf, who had returned overseas after the delivery, came back to India upon hearing of the incident and is now overseeing the treatment at Aster MIMS Hospital in Kannur. A complaint has been filed with the Kolavallur police regarding the matter.

Although the baby’s life has been saved, the family is deeply concerned about potential long-term health issues. MRI scans and other diagnostic tests have been conducted. Ashraf emphasised that the baby had no prior health issues and demanded justice for his child.