DOH reports 843 fireworks injuries, 38% increase from last year

The Department of Health (DOH) reported a total of 843 fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) from December 22, 2024, to January 6, 2025.

Two additional cases were recorded on New Year's Eve and seven more in the following days, marking a 38 percent increase compared to last year’s tally of 610 FWRIs.

Fatalities remained at four with one fatality involving a head injury from lighting a triangle firework.

Skyrockets are now the leading cause of FWRIs, followed by kwitis mini skyrockets and improvised cannons.

The majority of victims were males under 20 years old (499 cases), with another 344 cases involving individuals aged 20 and above.

The DOH continues to urge the public to avoid illegal fireworks to prevent injuries, blindness, hearing loss, burns, and amputations.

Meanwhile, the police seized over 600,000 illegal firecrackers during the holiday season under the PNP's 'Ligtas Paskuhan' operation.