DOH reports 142 firecracker injuries, six deaths

As of December 29, the number of firecracker-related injuries reported by the Department of Health (DOH) has risen to 142 nationwide since December 22, marking a 35% increase compared to the same period last year.

The DOH's latest report indicates that 17 new injuries were recorded between Saturday, Dec. 28, and Sunday, Dec. 29, bringing the total number of cases monitored by sentinel hospitals nationwide to 142.

One hundred four (73 percent) of these cases are caused by illegal firecrackers such as boga, five-star, and piccolo, with 85 cases (60 percent) involving active users.

The DOH warned the public about the dangers of using illegal fireworks ahead of New Year celebrations and urged vigilance to prevent further injuries.

Health facilities have recorded six deaths due to various accidents related to holiday festivities since December 21, including a 78-year-old man from Central Luzon who died after being injured by a Judas belt firecracker on Saturday.