DOH: Close to half of ‘cracker victims minors

NEARLY half of the victims of firecrackers during the New Year revelry were minors or those aged 18 and below, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

Based on the latest Fireworks-Related Injuries (FWRI) report, the DOH said there were 557 FWRIs recorded from December 21, 2023 to January 3, 2024, with 266 cases, or 48 percent, below 18 years old.

In a brief statement, the DOH cited the accessibility of fireworks at home as a possible cause of the high injuries among minors.

Proof of this, it said, was that 97 percent of the FWRIs happened at home and on the streets.

“Access to fireworks is higher, thus, leading to more use. Household use is still prevalent,” said the DOH. “Household use of fireworks is a risk not only to yourself but to your family.”

The DOH also noted that 61 percent (341) of the FWRIs were caused by legal firecrackers such as Kwitis, Whistle Bomb, Luces, and Fountain.

On the other hand, illegal firecrackers, such as 5-star, Pla-pla, and Boga caused 39 percent (216) FWRIs.

The National Capital Region (NCR) has the most FWRIs with 306, followed by Ilocos Region (55), Central Luzon (42), and Calabarzon (39).

MORE INJURIES

The DOH has recorded a new youngest case for the 2024 New Year revelry, a 10-month-old baby boy from the NCR whose right eye was injured by kwitis that was lit by someone at home.

The youngest FWRI case is among the 114 new injuries reported from January 2 to January 3.

Of the new cases, 111 (97%) occurred at home and in the streets, said the DOH.

The majority (59, 52%) of the new cases were also found to be due to legal fireworks, said the DOH.