‘Yolanda’ firecracker victim loses hand; fireworks injuries breach 100

A teen-ager in Cebu had his right hand nearly blasted off after a firecracker named Yolanda exploded before he could let go of it. Doctors had no choice but to amputate the hand.

He is considered the first seriously injured victim of this year's pyrotechnic merry-making, the Department of Health said Friday.

National Epidemiology Center head Dr. Enrique Tayag also said that as of 6 a.m. Friday, the number of fireworks-related injuries has already surpassed 100.

In posts on his Twitter account, Tayag said:

Amputations due to FW injuries: 1) 14 yo, male, cebu city, lost right hand fr super yolanda; 2) 5 yo, male, iloilo, lost index finger R hand

— Doc Eric Tayag (@erictayagSays) December 27, 2013

Tayag also said another victim of fireworks – a five-year-old boy from Iloilo – had to have his right index finger amputated after using a camara or small dynamite.

Yolanda, the typhoon, ripped through the Visayas and parts of Southern Luzon last Nov. 8, leaving more than 6,100 dead in its wake.

Fireworks makers this year named one of their most powerful new creations after the killer cyclone.

140 injuries

Meanwhile, Tayag said that as of 6 a.m. Friday, the number of firework-related injuries stood at 140, almost double 77 on Thursday.

as of dec 27 6:00am total of 140 FW related injuries: FW injuries 134, FW ingestion, Stray bullet 5; piccolo 82/134 or 63% #APIR @DOHgovph

— Doc Eric Tayag (@erictayagSays) December 27, 2013

Tayag said that of the 134 fireworks-related injuries, 82 were from piccolo.

On Thursday, Tayag said the DOH had recorded 77 fireworks-related injuries, 34 percent lower than the 116 during the same period in 2012.

A separate report by dzBB's Manny Vargas said the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City is keeping track of those injured by fireworks and stray bullets.

In eastern Metro Manila, dzBB's Glen Juego reported the Amang Rodriguez Medical Center in Marikina City recorded three injuries from stray bullets. — LBG, GMA News