GUWAHATI: Accidents have become quite common during festivals. During Holi festivities in the last two days, the city witnessed a number of mishaps marring celebrations of the festival of colours.

According to records of the emergency department of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), there were 62 cases of road accidents in the last two days and the total number of patients admitted to the surgery ward is 12. While three persons were brought dead, one expired after reaching the hospital.

H Chakraborty, the casualty officer of GMCH’s emergency department, said, “There is a tendency of accidents and mishaps occurring during festivals like Holi as people forget to exercise caution. It is really scary to see people driving on the roads on such occasions.”

The records of GVK, EMRI, an emergency ambulance service provider, say the total number of accident cases that the organization has come across in the entire Kamrup district was 55 during the period. Besides, there were 15 cases of food poisoning.

An official of GVK, EMRI, Assam, said, “We had already prepared ourselves for emergencies as such cases are quite common during Holi.” Apart from accidents and food poisoning, cases of assault and sexual harassment have also been recorded in the state.”

Gitika Das, a school teacher, said, “Going out of the house during these two days can be a real nuisance as one has to encounter a lot of drunkards on the streets. At times, it turns out to be very scary.”