MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday said it recorded 24 more firework-related injuries, bringing the total to 52 less than a week before New Year’s Eve.
According to the DOH, the 24 injuries were recorded from 6 a.m. December 25 to 5:59 a.m. December 26.
Among the injuries were five cases of traumatic amputations, with three involving minors and the remaining two involving adults.
“Ang limang amputation ay nagresulta sa pagkawala o pagkaputol ng mga daliri at kamay (the five amputations resulted in the loss or severing of fingers and hands),” said the DOH in a statement.
The five cases of amputation were recorded in Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Davao Region, Metro Manila, and Central Visayas.
The DOH said 22, or 92 percent, accidents occurred inside homes or near roads.
Additionally, 21, or 88 percent of the injured, were actively involved in the use of fireworks, and of these, 16 individuals, or 67 percent, sustained injuries due to the use of illegal fireworks.
Of the 52 total injuries recorded, the DOH reported that 20 or 38 percent occurred in Metro Manila, 6 or 12 percent in Central Luzon, and 5 or 10 percent in Soccsksargen.