Fireworks-related injuries jump to 75 as New Year nears

MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-three more people were reported injured due to firecrackers, bringing the total to 75 just days before the New Year celebrations. 

In a bulletin issued Wednesday, the Department of Health said that the new cases primarily involved males aged six to 55.

All the new injuries occurred at home and on the streets. Sixty-one percent of these additional cases were due to illegal fireworks. 

According to the DOH, two male teenagers lost fingers after lighting pla-pla, an illegal firecracker. This season’s total amputations have reached six. 

Metro Manila recorded the highest number of firework-related injuries (30), followed by Central Luzon (9) and the Ilocos region (6). 

“Ninety six percent happened at home and in the streets, mostly by males with active involvement. Illegal fireworks are to blame for about six out of every ten cases,” the health department said. 

“Fireworks are not toys. They may be nice to see, but are deadly to hold. Parents should give the gift of complete hands and fingers to their children,” it added.