Delhi covered in toxic haze after night of Diwali fireworks

Air pollution in Indian capital hits 18 times the healthy limit despite supreme court ban on sale of firecrackers

Air pollution in Delhi has hit 18 times the healthy limit and left the city under a thick, toxic haze after Diwali was celebrated with a night of fireworks - despite a court-ordered ban on their sales.

Residents of the Indian capital, which already ranks among the world's most polluted cities, complained of watering eyes and aggravated coughs as levels of PM2.5, ultra-fine particles of less than 2.5 microns, rose alarmingly on Friday.