DOH: 2021 fireworks-related injuries up 32%

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) reported on Sunday 68 additional fireworks-related injuries amid the New Year revelry, raising the number of injuries nationwide to 153.

According to DOH, the number of injuries as of 6 a.m. on January 2 is 32 percent higher compared to 116 injuries covering the same period in 2020.

It is still, however, 61 percent lower than the average of 392 cases in the last five years.

“All cases were injuries due to fireworks. Sixty (39%) cases occurred in the NCR (National Capital Region),” the DOH said in its latest report.

Among the top fireworks involved are kwitis, boga, luces, and triangle said the health agency.

Article continues after this advertisement The youngest victim is two years old and the oldest is 74. “Sixteen cases had blast/burn injury requiring amputation, 102 cases had blast/burn injury not requiring amputation, and 39 cases had an eye injury. Four cases had sustained multiple types of injuries,” the DOH reported.

There were also 51 cases of a hand injury, according to DOH.

The DOH noted that figures from previous reports on fireworks-related injuries may differ due to late reports submitted and further verification.

gsg