Projectile Ballistic Injury to the Right Chest: A Life-Threatening Complication of a Firecracker

This case report describes the rare occurrence of a projectile ballistic injury resulting from the detonation of a locally made firecracker, also known as “TOPDA,” during Diwali festivities. The 18-year-old male patient presented with a penetrating injury to the right chest wall, causing immediate unconsciousness and hemodynamic instability. Emergency interventions, including chest tube insertion and resuscitation, were performed. A metallic foreign body near the right atrial appendage was identified on imaging. Surgical removal via thoracotomy was successfully done, with repair of the lung parenchyma. The case emphasizes the importance of maintaining a cardiopulmonary bypass setup for potential cardiac emergencies.