Fireworks casualties breach 800, fatalities now 4

LESSON LEARNED A resident who sustained an eye injury caused by a firecracker is treated at Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center also in Manila. —RICHARD REYES/MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

Four people have already died due to firecrackers during the holidays, with the number of injured people breaching 800, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

The newest fatality was a 54-year-old man from Calabarzon who died as a result of severe injuries caused by a kwitis (skyrocket) that exploded in his left hand.

Kwitis is considered a “legal” firework, but the DOH cautioned people from using it as it remains dangerous when it explodes. It has since become the top cause of firecracker-related injuries in the country.

READ: Tally of firecracker injuries rises to 704 on Jan 3 – DOH

Based on its latest monitoring, the DOH has so far confirmed four deaths due to firecrackers from Dec. 22 to Jan. 5.

The first fatality was recorded on Dec. 27, a 78-year-old man who suffered injuries after he ignited a Judas’ belt. —DEXTER CABALZA