DOH: Firecracker injuries hit 843, up 38%

The number of individuals injured due to firecrackers during the holiday season has risen to 843, according to the Department of Health (DOH), which concluded its monitoring on Monday.

This figure includes an additional 11 cases reported after New Year's Day and represents a 38% increase from the 610 cases recorded in the same period last year.

The DOH noted that 499 of those injured were aged 19 or younger, while 344 were 20 years old and above; males accounted for 696 cases and females for 147.

Four deaths have been confirmed, with the latest victim being a 54-year-old man from Calabarzon who died of severe injuries due to a Kwitis firecracker that exploded in his left hand.

Kwitis firecrackers remain the leading cause of injuries, followed by 5-Star and Boga firecrackers.

The DOH emphasized that Kwitis, along with 5-Star and Boga, were identified as the primary causes of these incidents.