Firecracker injuries: 46

DEADLY A firecracker known as Bin Laden had been declared illegal. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

Three more cases of fireworks-related injuries have been recorded as of Sunday, bringing to 46 the total number of victims as the New Year drew near, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

The DOH’s Fireworks-Related Injury (FWRI) Surveillance report covered cases from Dec. 21 to Dec. 30.

The health department noted that the current count was 45 cases fewer than that for the same period in 2017 and also 143 cases lower than the five-year average.

In its report, the DOH said that the three cases recorded late on Dec. 28 (Friday) to early Sunday (Dec. 30) were from Metro Manila, Western Visayas and Central Visayas.

Only two of the 46 injured have swallowed firecrackers, while the rest were hurt by exploding fireworks.

The DOH also noted that out of the 46 individuals who suffered firecracker-related injuries, 41 were male.

The department also said 26 cases were blast or burn injuries without amputation; five cases were blast or burn injuries with amputation and 15 cases were eye injuries.

Boga, or improvised cannon, remained on top of the list of firecracker or devices that have caused the injuries with 13 cases.