Firework-related injuries at 57; majority of victims aged 19 and below —DOH

The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday said the number of firework-related injuries this holiday season has reached 57, and majority of the victims are aged 19 years old and below.

In its advisory, the DOH said the 57 cases were treated at 62 sentinel hospitals being monitored for firework-related injuries from December 21 until 4 a.m. of December 26.

Thirty-five victims were aged 19 years old and below, including two children who suffered burns and lost their fingers due to firecrackers in separate incidents.

An 8-year-old lost his index finger and thumb after an explosion from a whistle bomb, while a 16-year-old had his two fingers severed after a 5-star exploded.

All those who were set off by firecrackers suffered multiple injuries or various wounds and burns in different parts of their bodies, the DOH said.

“Kahit na mas mababa ng 49% ang naitalang kaso ng DOH kumpara sa 112 na kaso sa parehong petsa noong 2024, ipinapaalala pa rin ng Ahensya na mapanganib ang paputok—iligal man o legal na ibinibenta,” it added.

(Despite the DOH recording 49% fewer cases compared to 112 cases in the same period in 2024, the Agency still reminds that fireworks—whether sold illegally or legally—are dangerous.) —KG, GMA Integrated News