Fireworks Injuries Surge to 69 as DOH Reports 26 New Cases

The Department of Health (DOH) has reported an additional 26 fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) across the country, pushing the total number of cases to 69 since December 22. The latest figures were announced on Thursday, covering incidents up to December 26. A significant majority of these injuries, 74%, were sustained by individuals who were actively handling the fireworks. Moreover, 86% of the cases were linked to the use of illegal fireworks, with the homemade cannon known as ‘boga’ being a primary culprit. The demographic breakdown shows that males overwhelmingly dominate the injury statistics, accounting for 65 out of the 69 cases. The DOH has highlighted the severe risks associated with fireworks, including potential blindness, burns, hearing loss, lung infections, amputations, and fatalities. In response to these dangers, the DOH has issued a stern warning to the public, particularly urging parents to prevent children from using hazardous fireworks like Boga, Five-Star, and Piccolo, which are notorious for causing accidents. The health department also calls for increased vigilance and discipline among the public to curb the misuse of illegal fireworks.